Rajnath Singh: Indian drones now beyond detection by America or China

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday inaugurated the country’s largest aero-engine test bed, manufactured by Refi M Fiber in Gautam Buddha Nagar, and dedicated it to the nation.

On the occasion, Singh hailed the achievement of the institute’s founders, Vishal Mishra and Vivek Mishra, describing it as a symbol of India’s new technological revolution.

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He said that despite handling the responsibility of the Defence Ministry for over six years, he had never seen such young entrepreneurs establish such a large and innovative facility.

He stressed that the youth of today are not merely creating companies but are shaping a new vision and direction for the defence sector. “Now, when Indian drones fly, neither America nor China—no one will be able to detect them. This is a huge achievement,” Singh said.

Highlighting the evolving role of drones in modern warfare, he cited the Russia-Ukraine conflict as an example, stating that drones have become a crucial part of defence strategy, and India is now designing and manufacturing them indigenously.

Referring to India’s resilience from the Pokhran nuclear tests to the present, the Defence Minister asserted that self-reliance is the foundation of both India’s defence and its self-respect. Startups like Refi M Fiber, he said, are proof that the government’s vision is bearing fruit on the ground.

A former physics teacher himself, Singh described the accomplishments of young innovators as a “scientific revolution.” He emphasized that the gap between technology-rich and technology-deficient nations is widening, and India must stay ahead through innovation.

Praising Refi M Fiber, Singh noted that the startup, which began with just 10 people in 2017, now employs over 600 scientists and engineers. Its efforts, he said, will generate more than 5,000 jobs in Uttar Pradesh. In collaboration with DRDO, the company developed three products within 14 months that were deployed in Operation Sindoor.

During his plant visit, the Defence Minister described the Engine Test Bed, Metal Additive Manufacturing Facility, Advanced Composite Polymer Manufacturing Center, Payload Drone, and Guided Missile Drone as “state-of-the-art.”

He added that while setting up industry in Uttar Pradesh was once difficult, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the state has become a model for “Ease of Doing Business” and strong law and order.

Singh said that Noida is emerging as a leader in startups, manufacturing, and high-tech solutions, and expressed confidence that both Noida and Uttar Pradesh will play a key role in India’s technological advancement.

He also mentioned that the central government has launched schemes like the Technology Development Fund, National Research Foundation, and IDEX Aditi to provide opportunities to startups and innovators in the defence sector, ensuring that both established companies and new ventures thrive.

“Today’s occasion is not just the success of one company—it represents the identity of a new India. In the years ahead, such startups will elevate India’s global standing. India will not only become self-reliant but also a world leader in technology, defence capability, and innovation,” Singh declared.

Recalling Operation Sindoor, the Defence Minister said: “When determination, courage, and science come together, even the impossible becomes possible. During the operation, our forces neutralized the enemy in just 22 minutes. It was a moment that reflected both the bravery of our soldiers and the innovation of our scientists and youth.”

He expressed pride that the armed forces have swiftly adopted the instruments developed by India’s youth and industries.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, CDS General Anil Chauhan, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Defence Production Secretary Sanjeev Kumar, MPs Surendra Nagar and Mahesh Sharma, District Panchayat President Amit Chaudhary, and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

ENDS