Rajnath Singh inaugurates a state-of-the-art test facility of Raphe mPhibr, an iDEX winner, in Uttar Pradesh
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated a state-of-the-art test facility of Raphe mPhibr, an iDEX winner start-up, on August 30, 2025 in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Addressing the gathering, he said that Operation Sindoor is not only a story of the valour of India’s Armed Forces, but also of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the innovation of the nation’s scientists and youth. He expressed pride that the Armed Forces have swiftly adopted equipment developed indigenously by young innovators and Indian industries.
Raksha Mantri expressed his pleasant surprise and pride that three products developed jointly by Raphe mPhibr and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) within just 14 months were successfully deployed during Operation Sindoor. He stated that this stands as clear evidence that India is no longer behind any nation in terms of technological capability.
Referring to Operation Sindoor, Raksha Mantri said that within just 22 minutes, the Armed Forces gave a befitting response to the terrorists and their handlers in a manner they could never have imagined. He added that the operation once again underscored the fact that when resolve, courage and science come together, the impossible can indeed be made possible.
Shri Rajnath Singh stated that today India is designing, developing and manufacturing drones indigenously. “The reality of modern defence today rests on aircraft technology and drones,” he said while stating that India too is moving rapidly in this direction.
Highlighting the growing role of drones, Raksha Mantri said that they are now being deployed in areas where large equipment cannot reach. Citing the ongoing Russia – Ukraine conflict, he said that drones are being used extensively in modern warfare. “In today’s era, it is essential to understand the importance of drones and to effectively incorporate them into war tactics,” he added.
“iDEX scheme is a very significant initiative to promote innovation and self-reliance in the defence sector. The Government’s initiatives are providing opportunities to the youth who have the potential to make India a leader on the global stage in the fields of defence and innovation,” he said.
Highlighting the significance of Technology Development Fund, establishment of the National Research Foundation, and providing new resources and support to DRDO and other research organisations, Raksha Mantri said that schemes like iDEX and ADITI have been launched with the vision that the startups being given opportunities today will, in the next 15 to 20 years, achieve milestones that will raise India’s global profile to new heights.
Raksha Mantri concluded his address by acknowledging that Noida is emerging as a top hub for defence innovation, whether through startups, manufacturing enterprises, or high-tech solutions. “Across all spheres of innovation, Noida is playing a leading role,” he said.
During his facility visit, Raksha Mantri toured crucial advanced testing and manufacturing infrastructure: from an engine test bed and a metal additive manufacturing facility to furnaces capable of reaching 2,800°C, an advanced composite polymer manufacturing center, as well as a range of drones – payload-drop drones, swarm drones and precision-guided missile drones. These state-of-the-art, highly reliable systems are poised to significantly enhance India’s defence readiness.
The event was graced by the presence of the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Shri Yogi Adityanath, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh and Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar
