Should India Produce Rare Materials for Defence and Aerospace?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India's technological sovereignty is being prioritized with local production of rare materials.
- The Titanium and Superalloy Materials Plant enhances India's defence capabilities.
- Strategic initiatives aim to create job opportunities in Uttar Pradesh.
- India is transitioning to a model of Design, Develop, and Deliver locally.
- Collaboration with local industries is essential for future growth.
New Delhi, Oct 18 (NationPress) The Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, stated on Saturday that India needs to manufacture rare materials utilized in defence and aerospace sectors to establish itself as a leader in technology and maintain its technological independence.
While inaugurating a Titanium and Superalloy Materials Plant at PTC Industries’ Strategic Materials Technology Complex in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, the Defence Minister underscored the significance of rare earth materials in defence, space, electronics, and various other industries.
He remarked that “only a few nations possess the ability to refine these materials and produce advanced products.”
Emphasizing that historically, India has relied on foreign nations for advanced materials and critical technologies essential for defence and aerospace, the Defence Minister noted that projects like the Titanium and Superalloy Materials Plant signify a shift in this dependency.
He reiterated that India will gain real strength only when it can produce its own materials, components, chips, and alloys. This new facility positions India among an exclusive group of countries capable of manufacturing their own critical defence and aerospace materials.
“With this, we will be equipped to produce parts for our fighter jets, missiles, naval systems, and satellites,” he emphasized, adding that “We are laying down a foundation that will bolster India’s technological sovereignty in the years to come.”
Regarding the Strategic Materials Technology Complex, he expressed optimism that it introduces a new dimension to Uttar Pradesh’s industrial landscape, asserting that this complex, along with supporting units and supply industries, will generate both direct and indirect job opportunities within the state.
Praising the leadership of CM Yogi Adityanath, he noted that “enhanced law and order has increased investor confidence, leading to the establishment of factories, IT hubs, and research centers in the state, which has emerged as the growth engine of the nation.”
“We are embarking on a new era, transitioning from Make-in-India to Design, Develop, and Deliver in India,” he concluded.