- India is the world’s fourth-largest defense spender in 2023.
- The country aims to achieve defense self-reliance with reduced reliance on foreign military imports and increased domestic exports.
Key Strides in India’s Defence Modernisation
Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
- India is transitioning to a self-reliant defense ecosystem.
- The Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP)-2020 prioritizes domestic procurement.
- Domestic defense production reached ₹1.27 lakh crore in 2023-24, a 16.7% increase from the previous year.
Surge in Defence Exports
- India’s defense exports increased significantly, reaching ₹21,083 crore in FY 2023-24.
- The government aims for exports to hit ₹35,000 crore by 2025 with initiatives like iDEX.
Strategic Defence Partnerships
- Collaborations with global defense leaders aim to bridge technological gaps.
- Notable partnerships include Project P-75(I) submarines with Thyssenkrupp and the US-India INDUS-X initiative.
Advancements in Missile Technology
- The induction of the ‘Pralay’ tactical missile enhances battlefield flexibility.
- Successful tests of the Agni Prime missile demonstrate improvements in long-range strike capabilities.
Defence Industrial Corridors
- Establishment of Defence Industrial Corridors in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh promotes regional development.
- Tamil Nadu’s corridor has secured ₹11,794 crore in investments.
Focus on Cybersecurity and Space Defence
- India is integrating space and cybersecurity into its defense strategies.
- The Defense Space Agency has been established for addressing emerging threats.
Positive Indigenization Lists
- The government has implemented five Positive Indigenization Lists to boost domestic manufacturing.
- This initiative has led to the indigenization of critical components.
Strengthening Naval Capabilities
- India’s naval power is being enhanced to address piracy and maritime security, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
- The induction of INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, signifies growing naval prowess.
Key Issues Related to India’s Defence Sector
Dependence on Imports
- India remains one of the largest arms importers, undermining strategic autonomy.
- The Russia-Ukraine war has highlighted vulnerabilities in supply chains, particularly for S-400 missile systems.
Delays in Procurement
- Bureaucratic inefficiencies lead to significant delays in acquiring advanced weaponry.
- Examples include the prolonged development of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft.
Outdated Inventory
- A large portion of India’s defense inventory is outdated, affecting combat readiness.
- T-72 tanks and Bofors howitzers are cited as examples of aging equipment.
Insufficient Indigenous Manufacturing
- Despite initiatives for self-reliance, India’s defense manufacturing remains underdeveloped.
- Reliance on foreign technology persists in critical areas like jet engines.
Budget Constraints
- A significant portion of the defense budget is allocated to salaries and pensions, limiting funds for modernization.
Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities
- Increased reliance on digital systems exposes critical infrastructure to cyber threats.
- Past breaches highlight vulnerabilities in defense data security.
Lack of Joint Command Structure
- The absence of a unified command structure affects interoperability among armed forces.
- Delay in establishing theater commands hampers effective joint operations.
Weak R&D Ecosystem
- Low investment in R&D (less than 1% of the defense budget) limits innovation.
- Delays in key project deliveries by institutions like DRDO hinder progress.
Skilled Workforce Shortage
- There is a shortage of skilled personnel in advanced fields necessary for modern defense systems.
- The Skill India initiative has not adequately addressed the defense sector’s needs.
Geopolitical Challenges
- India’s reliance on Russian arms poses risks amid geopolitical tensions.
- China’s expanding naval presence in the Indo-Pacific region adds pressure on India’s maritime security.
Measures to Enhance Defence Modernisation
Streamlining Procurement Processes
- Simplifying the Defence Acquisition Procedure to reduce delays.
- Implementing AI-driven systems for procurement efficiency.
Increasing Budget for Modernisation
- Allocating more funds for capital expenditure to address capability gaps.
Strengthening Indigenous Manufacturing
- Integrating Make in India and PLI schemes to encourage domestic production.
Expanding Global Partnerships
- Collaborating with advanced nations for technology transfer and co-development.
Enhancing Cyber and Space Defence
- Developing dedicated units for cybersecurity and space defense to mitigate threats.
Implementing Joint Theater Commands
- Fast-tracking the establishment of joint commands for better interoperability.
Engaging Startups and MSMEs
- Expanding the iDEX initiative to involve innovative startups in defense production.
Modernising the Navy
- Prioritizing naval fleet upgrades to counter regional threats.
Boosting Export Capabilities
- Focusing on major defense exports to enhance global market presence.
Developing Skilled Workforce
- Investing in training programs to create a skilled workforce for defense manufacturing.
Focusing on R&D
- Increasing R&D spending to foster indigenous innovation and reduce import dependency.
Promoting Green Technology
- Integrating eco-friendly technologies into defense systems to enhance sustainability.
India’s defense modernization reflects a strategic balance between self-reliance and global partnerships. Continued focus on innovation, interoperability, and adaptability is essential for comprehensive national security.