AI-generated representative image. Illustration created for News Desk Report; not a photograph of the reported event.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday, November 15, called for stronger domestic capabilities in inspection technology and greater reliability in defence testing, arguing that quality must be built into manufacturing from the outset.
He addressed a non-destructive evaluation conference virtually, according to the Defence Ministry’s account issued at 11:52 am IST. The event in Hyderabad brings together specialists in inspecting materials and equipment without damaging them.
Why inspection matters
Non-destructive testing, or NDT, can reveal hidden defects inside a component while leaving it usable. The minister said defects could shorten equipment life, increase maintenance needs and undermine operational availability. His emphasis was on preventing flaws throughout production, rather than relying only on finding them afterwards.
The ministry said he urged Indian development of specialised sensors, inspection equipment and software. He also called for consistent procedures, qualified personnel and traceable results across public-sector firms, private manufacturers, start-ups and small businesses in defence supply chains.
Digital tools and domestic capability
Singh identified artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced sensors and digital twins among technologies expanding inspection and structural monitoring. The ministry described his call for domestic solutions suited to India’s industrial and strategic requirements, supported by research, equipment and skills.
The remarks set out priorities for the sector; this address does not itself establish a new procurement award, spending allocation or mandatory testing rule. The distinction matters for businesses assessing what has actually changed.
The three-day gathering is organised by the Indian Society for Non-Destructive Testing. Follow further policy announcements in our National coverage.