Singh was in Gautam Buddha Nagar, where he inaugurated the defence equipment and drone manufacturing unit, aircraft engine and defence aerospace test facility (Express Photo)DEFENCE MINISTER Rajnath Singh on Saturday underlined the growing importance of drone technology in modern warfare, citing the Russia-Ukraine conflict as an example. “Today, when Indian drones fly, neither the US nor China will be able to detect them — this is a significant achievement,” he said.Singh was in Gautam Buddha Nagar, where he inaugurated the defence equipment and drone manufacturing unit, aircraft engine and defence aerospace test facility. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was also present at the event.In his address, Singh said, “Drones are now a crucial part of defence policy, and India is designing and manufacturing them domestically.” He added that self-reliance forms the foundation of India’s defence strength, recalling the nation’s determination from the Pokhran nuclear tests to the present day.Rajnath Singh recalled Operation Sindoor and said, “When commitment, courage, and science come together, the impossible becomes possible. In just 22 minutes, our forces eliminated the enemy. This was not only the bravery of our armed forces but also a story of Atmanirbhar India and the innovation of our scientists and youth.”Singh said Noida is emerging as a hub for startups, high-tech solutions and defence manufacturing. The Centre, he noted, has launched initiatives such as the Technology Development Fund, National Research Foundation, and IDEX Aditi to support startups in defence innovation.Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, “A nation becomes strong only by striking a balance between ‘shastra’ and ‘shaastra’, and Uttar Pradesh is playing a leading role in defence production.”Adityanath highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s growing role in the defence sector, with nine operational ordnance factories and several defence PSUs. He noted that under PM Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s guidance, two new defence manufacturing centres have been sanctioned, one of them in UP. Six nodes — Aligarh, Agra, Kanpur, Lucknow, Jhansi, and Chitrakoot — are being developed over 12,500 acres.Story continues below this adReferring to Lucknow’s BrahMos missile centre, the CM said, “Lucknow’s smile was incomplete until the echo of the missile reached the enemy’s ears. In Operation Sindoor, BrahMos showcased its capability.” He also cited other projects such as the DDL centre in Jhansi, AK-203 unit in Amethi, and Escort facility in Hardoi.Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar, Defence Production Secretary Sanjeev Kumar and senior officials from the defence department were among those present at the event.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd