Category Policy

SELF RELIANCE: A PEEK UNDER THE HOOD

The article critically examines India's Make in India initiative in the defense sector, highlighting the need for genuine self-reliance (SR) through indigenous technological and industrial capability development. It emphasizes shifting from dependency on imported systems to fostering local manufacturing of foundational systems like engines, powerpacks, and electronics. Drawing lessons from ISRO's technology tree approach, the article advocates for strategic planning, deeper localization, and incremental upgrades of existing platforms over de novo developments. It calls for a pragmatic defense industrial strategy, prioritizing technology insertion, local supply chains, and leveraging collaborations for long-term operational readiness and strategic autonomy.

The Global Military Industrial Base: Insights and India’s Path Forward

The article highlights the global military industrial bases (MIBs) of major countries like the U.S., Europe, Russia, China, and India, emphasizing the need for self-reliance in defense production. While the U.S. and Europe lead with advanced defense contractors and collaboration, Russia and China focus on state-controlled systems. India is making strides toward indigenization through initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat, boosting R&D, and encouraging private sector participation. To further strengthen its MIB, India must increase R&D investment, streamline procurement, leverage MSMEs, and expand global collaborations to enhance its defense export potential and strategic influence.

Unlocking the Potential of MSMEs in the Aerospace and Defence Sector: A Call for Simplification and Collaboration

The article highlights the untapped potential of India's MSMEs in the Aerospace and Defence (A&D) sector, emphasizing the challenges MSMEs face in connecting with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). Current processes, including reliance on third-party inspections, create barriers that hinder MSMEs from integrating into OEM supply chains. A proposed solution is implementing a peer review and rating system to streamline vendor selection and facilitate direct engagement between OEMs and MSMEs. By simplifying processes and removing barriers, India can unlock the full potential of its MSMEs, advancing self-reliance and global competitiveness in manufacturing.

INDIA’S MILITARY CAPABILITY ENHANCEMENT AND DEFENCE PROCUREMENTS

The Indian Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by the Raksha Mantri, approved capital acquisitions worth nearly Rs One Lakh Crores, focusing on indigenisation and modernisation of the Armed Forces. This includes sophisticated platforms and emphasizes support for indigenous defence startups and MSMEs through simplified acquisition procedures. The initiative reflects a strategic shift towards making India a defence exporter and reducing its reliance on imports, demonstrated by significant deals like the BrahMos missile export. The adjustments in procurement policies, including emergency powers and the Fast-Track Procedure, aim to address immediate needs while fostering long-term self-reliance and capability enhancement in the defence sector.

REVAMPING OF INDIAN ARTILLERY

The article explores India's Corps Day celebration by the Gunners on September 28, commemorating the founding of the first artillery unit in 1827, suggesting a potential shift to a more relevant date post-independence. It traces the historical impact of artillery, notably during the Battle of Panipat in 1526. Post-independence, the gunners' crucial role in conflicts, especially the Kargil War, is highlighted, emphasizing artillery's pivotal role in India's victory. The evolving Chinese threat prompts a focus on enhancing artillery capabilities in challenging terrains, with an emphasis on mobility, self-propelled platforms, air defense, and anti-drone measures. The article advocates for advanced technology adoption, border infrastructure development, and the use of self-propelled and light guns for future warfare.

INDIGENISATION URGENCY AS NEVER BEFORE

The geopolitical landscape is changing rapidly due to the Russia-Ukraine war and the Hamas-Israel conflict. India's defense equipment supply is being adversely affected by these conflicts. The Russia-Ukraine war impacts India's dependence on Russian equipment, while the Hamas-Israel conflict affects supplies from the USA, France, and Israel. India has started focusing on indigenization but is faced with challenges due to ongoing conflicts and border tensions with China. The author suggests taking out-of-the-box approaches to address national security challenges, including an honest audit of domestic defense equipment procurement and a more efficient and manufacturer-friendly procurement process.

The situation emphasizes the need for greater support and handholding for domestic defense industries, both large and small, to boost indigenous production.

INDIA’S RENEWED PUSH FOR INDIGENISATION IN THE DEFENCE SECTOR: OPPORTUNITIES AND PITFALLS

The article highlights India's need for self-reliance in defense due to its adversarial neighbors, the importance of indigenization in the defense sector, and the challenges posed by changing geopolitics, particularly Russia's growing ties with China. India has taken measures to promote indigenization, including import bans, and is focusing on developing modern defense equipment through R&D, technology transfer, and joint ventures. The article emphasizes the need for diplomatic efforts to provide a decade of stability before major defense indigenization, considering the evolving global conflicts.