| Syllabus: GS-III, Subject: Internal Security, Topic: Emerging Security challenges, Issue: Defense indigenization |
Transformation in India’s defence ecosystem:
- Defence ecosystem in India has seen significant transformations with a focus on indigenization, domestic procurement, and defence
- India aims to achieve a defence production target of Rs 1,35,000 crore in 2023-24 and Rs 1,75,000 crore by 2025.
Steps for defense indigenization:
- Policies like Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make In India aim to reduce risks associated with disruptions in critical supply chains.
- Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 mandates 50% indigenous content in procurement contracts and introduces the Buy (Global-Manufacture in India) category.
- Initiatives like Srijan Indigenisation Portal and defence industrial corridors in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh have attracted significant investments.
- Progress in building naval platforms like INS Vikrant aircraft carrier and Project 17A frigates, demonstrates advancements in indigenous defence capabilities.
- Initiatives like Innovations for Defence Excellence and funding schemes support innovation and participation of MSMEs, startups, and academia in defence R&D.
The way ahead:
- Provide equal career opportunities for women in the armed forces.
- The transformation in the defence sector aligns with the goal of making India a resilient and self-reliant nation by 2047, fostering global partnerships in defence.
| +1 advantage for mains ( Data points)
● Capital acquisition budget for domestic procurement increased from 40% in 2020-21 to 75% in 2023-24. ● India ranked among the top 25 arms exporters by SIPRI for the first time in 2019, securing the 23rd position. ● India set a defence exports target of Rs 35,000 crore by 2025. |
