Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to visit the Solar Defence Aerospace Limited (SDAL) facility in Nagpur this Sunday. This visit marks his first trip to the site following Operation Sindoor, a significant military engagement where SDAL's equipment saw active deployment.
Key Focus on Defence Contributions
During Operation Sindoor, SDAL's Nagastra kamikaze drone system played a pivotal role in engagements with Pakistan. The company also supplied propellant for missile systems that successfully struck enemy targets. Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwiwedi publicly commended SDAL for its contributions during the Army Day celebrations on Thursday.
Second Recent Visit by the Minister
This will be Rajnath Singh's second visit to the SDAL facility in recent times. Earlier, he personally flagged off the first batch of multimodal hand grenades manufactured by the company. These grenades represent a milestone as the first complete ammunition systems produced by a private entity for the Indian Army, replacing older versions previously in use.
Broader Nagpur Defence Ecosystem
Beyond SDAL, the Defence Minister is expected to tour other defence establishments in Nagpur during his visit. The city has rapidly emerged as a major hub for defence manufacturing, thanks to the presence of both private sector companies like SDAL and public sector entities. This concentration of expertise and infrastructure supports India's growing defence capabilities.
The visit underscores the government's focus on boosting domestic defence production and recognizing private sector contributions to national security. It also highlights Nagpur's strategic importance in India's defence manufacturing landscape.