PM Modi Highlights Indigenous Defense, Aviation Milestones

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted a series of recent achievements in defense, aviation, and culture during his monthly radio address on Sunday, framing them as milestones in India's journey toward greater self-reliance. In the June edition of his "Mann Ki Baat" program, the Prime Minister pointed to developments he said strengthen national security and indigenous manufacturing capabilities.

A central focus was the aviation sector, where the first made-in-India C295 military transport aircraft successfully completed its maiden flight on June 10. Modi noted that 40 of the 56 C295 aircraft being procured by the Indian Air Force will be assembled domestically through a collaboration between Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Airbus at a facility in Vadodara, Gujarat. He said this project is providing new momentum to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and the aerospace sector while generating employment.

In the realm of defense, Modi cited the recent induction of three naval vessels-INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak, and INS Agray-into the Indian Navy's fleet at an event in Kolkata. He emphasized that the ships were entirely designed and built within India. The Prime...