India has solidified its position as the world's fourth-largest defense spender in 2023, marking significant strides in indigenous defense manufacturing and exports while reducing dependency on imports.
Introduction
India's defense modernization is a crucial aspect of its strategy to enhance national security, achieve self-reliance, and adapt to evolving global threats. The nation’s focus on bolstering indigenous manufacturing, strategic partnerships, and technological advancements underscores its vision of a robust and self-reliant defense ecosystem. While progress is evident in areas like exports and missile technologies, challenges such as dependency on imports, procurement delays, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities persist.
Key Strides in India’s Defence Modernisation
1. Strengthening Indigenous Manufacturing
Policies like the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP)-2020 prioritize domestic procurement.
In 2023-24, India recorded ₹1.27 lakh crore in domestic defense production, a 16.7% increase from 2022-23.
75% of the capital procurement budget for 2024-25 was earmarked for indigenous products.
Programs like the SRIJAN portal promote domestic innovation in defense technologies.
Advanced indigenous platforms like LCA Tejas and K9 Vajra artillery systems demonstrate self-reliance.
2. Growth in Defense Exports
Defense exports surged to ₹21,083 crore in FY 2023-24, a 31-fold rise in a decade.
Products like BrahMos missiles and Pinaka rocket systems gained international recognition.
The government targets ₹35,000 crore in exports by 2025, supported by initiatives like iDEX.
Collaborations with global players enhance India's presence in international markets.
Focused policies streamline export approvals and engage global buyers via defense expos.
3. Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations
India-US INDUS-X initiative focuses on co-developing hypersonics and AI technologies.
Joint production agreements with France for aero engines highlight high-tech indigenization.
Mazagon Dock’s partnership with Thyssenkrupp for Project P-75(I) enhances submarine capabilities.
Strategic defense ties with nations like Israel, Russia, and Japan bridge technological gaps.
Technology transfers under these partnerships ensure advanced platform development.
4. Breakthroughs in Missile and Tactical Systems
The successful induction of 'Pralay' tactical missile bolsters battlefield capabilities.
Agni Prime missile tests in 2024 enhance precision and long-range strike capacity.
Indigenous systems like Akash air defense missiles contribute to strategic autonomy.
Development of BrahMos variants for land, sea, and air applications demonstrates versatility.
The Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV) showcases India’s missile prowess.
5. Expanding Defense Industrial Corridors
Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh defense corridors aim to attract ₹20,000 crore in investments.
Tamil Nadu alone secured ₹11,794 crore in commitments by 2024.
Major players like L&T have established manufacturing units in these corridors.
Corridors serve as hubs for regional defense innovation and manufacturing capacity.
Investments in SMEs and startups create employment and boost local economies.
Key Issues in India’s Defence Sector
1. Dependence on Imports
India remains the largest importer of arms globally, with an 11% share in global imports (2018-22).
Delays in importing critical systems like the S-400 highlight dependency vulnerabilities.
Strategic autonomy is compromised by reliance on foreign suppliers for core technologies.
Import substitution programs, though promising, need faster implementation.
2. Delays in Procurement
Bureaucratic inefficiencies slow down acquisitions under the Defence Acquisition Procedure.
Projects like the Tejas LCA and P-75(I) submarines highlight systemic delays.
Absence of single-window clearance hampers timely delivery of critical assets.
Reliance on digital systems exposes defense networks to cyber threats.
Breaches like the 2013 DRDO hack underline systemic vulnerabilities.
Space-based surveillance and communication are underdeveloped compared to adversaries.
Strengthening CERT-In and integrating space defense strategies remain critical.
4. Outdated Inventory and Modernization Gaps
Systems like T-72 tanks and Bofors howitzers remain in service despite obsolescence.
Budget constraints prioritize salaries and pensions over capital expenditure.
Advanced platforms like drones and UAVs face delayed induction due to resource limitations.
5. Weak Domestic R&D and Skill Ecosystem
India spends less than 1% of its defense budget on R&D.
DRDO projects like Arjun tanks and Kaveri engines face delays and cost overruns.
Limited skilled workforce in robotics, AI, and advanced manufacturing slows innovation.
Measures to Enhance Defense Modernization
1. Streamlining Procurement Processes
Revise the DAP-2020 for faster acquisitions and single-window clearance.
Leverage AI-driven systems for transparency and efficiency in procurement.
2. Increasing Budget Allocation for Modernization
Prioritize capital expenditure to fund advanced platforms and technology upgrades.
Allocate at least 40% of the defense budget for modernization needs.
3. Strengthening Indigenous R&D and Manufacturing
Increase defense R&D spending to 5% of the total budget.
Partner DRDO with private firms for joint development of critical technologies.
Promote MSMEs and startups through expanded iDEX and PLI schemes.
4. Expanding Global Collaborations
Build on partnerships with nations like the US, Israel, and France for technology transfers.
Co-develop platforms with global players to reduce import dependency.
5. Enhancing Cyber and Space Defense Capabilities
Strengthen CERT-In and develop specialized cyber defense units.
Launch military-specific satellites to bolster communication and surveillance.
Conclusion
India’s defense modernization is a testament to its resolve to achieve strategic autonomy and address emerging security challenges. Progress in indigenous manufacturing, defense exports, and global collaborations highlights a transformative shift. However, bridging gaps in R&D, procurement, and cybersecurity is imperative. With sustained focus on innovation, modernization, and self-reliance, India is poised to emerge as a global defense leader.
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