India must produce rare materials used in defence and aerospace to become a technology creator: Rajnath Singh

“India must produce rare materials used in defence and aerospace to become a technology creator and safeguard its technological sovereignty,” said Rajnath Singh. He was dedicating to the nation a Titanium and Superalloy Materials Plant at PTC Industries’ Strategic Materials Technology Complex in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh on October 18, 2025. Emphasising the importance of Rare Earth Materials used in defence, space, electronics, and other sectors, he noted that only certain countries have the capacity to refine these materials and make high-end products. In this context, he said, the plant inaugurated, which is one of the first private sector manufacturing units to make aero-engine components and super alloy components etc., will go a long way in helping India produce rare materials.

Raksha Mantri noted that, in the past, India had been dependent on other countries for the advanced materials and critical technologies needed for defence and aerospace, thereby slowing the growth of the defence sector, and the initiatives such as the Titanium and Superalloy Materials Plant indicate a reversal of this trend.

Shri Rajnath Singh reiterated that India would acquire true strength only when it can manufacture its own materials, components, chips and alloys. He stated that this new plant puts India amongst a select group of nations which can make their own critical defence and aerospace materials. “With this, we will be able to manufacture the parts used in our fighter jets, missiles, naval systems and satellites”, he said.

Rajnath Singh stressed that while technology is power, material is the real strength, adding that be it a semiconductor chip, bullet material or engine turbine part, none is possible without strategic materials. “We are building a foundation which will strengthen India’s technological sovereignty in the coming years,” he added.

Calling the plant a living example of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Shri Rajnath Singh said the type would benefit not only the industry, but the society at large. It establishes an innovation chain which will fulfill the goal of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in the defence sector and give fresh momentum to the state economy, he said.