New Delhi: C-295 aircraft became one of the biggest highlights of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 135th Mann Ki Baat address as he showcased India’s latest indigenous defence achievements. He also praised the induction of three Made-in-India naval platforms and the successful test of the Long-Range Land-Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM), saying these milestones are making India stronger, safer and more self-reliant under the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.
135th Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi Highlights India’s Defence Successes
During the monthly radio programme, PM Modi said that June 2026 brought several achievements that have strengthened India’s national security.
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He said these developments show India’s growing ability to design, develop and manufacture advanced defence equipment within the country. The achievements also support the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).
First Made-in-India C-295 Aircraft Marks Major Milestone
The Prime Minister highlighted the maiden flight of the first Made-in-India C-295 military transport aircraft assembled at Tata Advanced Systems’ facility in Vadodara.
The ₹21,935 crore programme includes the procurement of 56 aircraft for the Indian Air Force. Sixteen aircraft are being delivered from Spain, while 40 aircraft will be manufactured in India, creating thousands of jobs and boosting the domestic aerospace industry. The aircraft will replace the ageing Avro-748 fleet.
Three Indigenous Naval Platforms Join Indian Navy
PM Modi also praised the commissioning of three indigenous naval platforms:
- INS Dunagiri – A modern stealth frigate.
- INS Sanshodhak – An advanced survey vessel for hydrographic operations.
- INS Agray – A shallow-water anti-submarine warfare craft.
He said all three vessels were designed and built in India, reflecting the country’s growing shipbuilding capability and strengthening maritime security.
DRDO Successfully Tests Indigenous Cruise Missile
Another key achievement mentioned by the Prime Minister was the successful flight test of the Long-Range Land-Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The missile was tested on June 15 from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast. Developed jointly by DRDO laboratories and Indian industry partners, the missile has an estimated strike range of 1,000–1,500 kilometres and is designed for precision long-range attacks.
Boost to MSMEs and Defence Manufacturing
According to the Prime Minister, projects like the C-295 programme are creating new opportunities for Indian MSMEs and strengthening the country’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
The increasing use of indigenous technologies is expected to reduce dependence on imports while improving India’s ability to meet its own defence requirements and expand exports in the future.
135th Mann Ki Baat: Focus on Atmanirbhar Bharat
PM Modi said India’s progress “from the seas to the skies” reflects the country’s growing confidence in indigenous defence production.
He added that domestic innovation, research and manufacturing are helping India become more secure while creating employment and supporting long-term economic growth.
135th Mann Ki Baat: Why These Defence Milestones Matter
Experts believe these developments strengthen India’s strategic capabilities across air, sea and missile systems. The C-295 programme expands aerospace manufacturing, the new naval platforms improve maritime security, and the indigenous cruise missile enhances India’s long-range strike capability. Together, these projects represent a significant step towards a self-reliant defence ecosystem.
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