Defence budget soars to ₹7.85 lakh crore, R&D gets 90% boost: Rajnath Singh

Why in news

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced a significant hike in the defence budget and R&D allocation to bolster self-reliance in manufacturing.

Background

The defence budget is set at ₹7.85 lakh crore for 2026-27 with a 90% boost in R&D. Domestic production rose from ₹46,000 crore in 2014 to ₹1.78 lakh crore in FY 25-26.

Facts for Prelims

• FactDefence budget for 2026-27: ₹7.85 lakh crore
• FactDefence R&D allocation increase: 90%
• FactDefence exports reached an all-time high of ₹38,424 crore
• FactDomestic production in FY 25-26: ₹1.78 lakh crore

For Mains

Q. Discuss the significance of increasing R&D and domestic manufacturing in achieving 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' in the defence sector.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

• technological sovereignty
• reduction in import dependency
• economic multiplier effect
• strategic autonomy

Keywords: self-reliance · modernization · R&D · procurement reforms · strategic autonomy

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