Context:
India will need to move much faster on the reform front than it has so far to cope with the massive gap in the defence capabilities with China as well as seize the international opportunity for the transformation of its defence industrial base.
Answer:
Atmanirbharta in defence refers to self-reliance in designing, developing, and producing military equipment, reducing dependency on imports. India’s transformation is evident with domestic defence production reaching ₹1.27 lakh crore in FY 2023-24 and exports surging to ₹21,083 crore. Indigenous platforms like INS Vikrant, Tejas, and Arjun MBT showcase India’s progress toward self-reliance.
Historically, India relied heavily on foreign countries for its defence needs, with about 65-70% of defence equipment being imported. However, this landscape has dramatically shifted, with around 65% of defence equipment now manufactured within India.
Significance of Achieving Atmanirbharta in Defence Production:
- Reduction in Import Dependency: Indigenous production reduces reliance on foreign suppliers, mitigating risks associated with geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions.
- India’s development of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas has reduced dependency on foreign fighter jets.
- Enhanced Operational Readiness: Local manufacturing ensures timely delivery and maintenance of defence equipment.
- The Dhanush artillery gun system, an indigenised variant of the Bofors gun.
- Economic Growth and Job Creation: Strengthening the defence industrial base contributes to GDP growth and generates employment.
- Liberalization of the FDI policy in the defence sector.
- The Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridors have attracted investment worth ₹20,000 crore.
- Export Potential: Indigenous manufacturing boosts India’s defence exports, enhancing its global strategic influence.
- Defence exports surged from ₹686 crore in FY14 to ₹21,083 crore in FY24.
- Strategic Autonomy: Self-reliance ensures India’s defence decisions remain independent of external pressures.
- INS Vikrant, an indigenously built aircraft carrier, enhances maritime sovereignty.
- Countering Regional Threats: Supports India’s ability to address security challenges posed by neighbours like China and Pakistan.
- Development of Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), border surveillance systems and missile defence technologies.
Challenges Plaguing Indigenous Defence Production:
- Inadequate R&D Investment: Low expenditure on defence R&D hinders technological innovation.
- India spends only 0.64% of its GDP on R&D compared to 2.41% by China.
- Dependence on Foreign Technology: Key components like engines for fighter jets and submarines are still imported.
- The Kaveri engine for the Tejas has faced delays, requiring imports of jet engines.
- Bureaucratic Delays: Lengthy procurement and approval processes impede timely project execution.
- The Defence Procurement Procedure often delays equipment acquisition.
- Limited Private Sector Involvement: Despite policy reforms, private participation remains low due to high entry barriers and lack of incentives.
- Only 21% of India’s defence production comes from the private sector.
- Inadequate Skilled Workforce: The lack of skilled personnel in advanced manufacturing technologies affects production quality.
- Defence shipyards face challenges in building next-generation naval platforms.
Measures Needed to Bridge the Existing Gaps in Critical Technology:
- Boosting Defence R&D: Increase investments in R&D through public-private partnerships and incentivise innovation.
- The iDEX initiative encourages startups and MSMEs.
- Technology Transfers and Collaboration: Partner with advanced countries for technology sharing and joint production.
- The C-295 aircraft deal with Airbus.
- Streamlining Procurement Processes: Simplify defence procurement procedures to reduce delays and increase efficiency.
- The Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 focuses on promoting domestic procurement.
- Encouraging Private Sector Participation: Reduce entry barriers for private companies and offer incentives for defence manufacturing.
- Developing a Skilled Workforce: Establish specialised training centres for advanced manufacturing and defence technologies.
- Collaboration between DRDO and IITs for skill development.
- Fostering Export Competitiveness: Strengthen export promotion policies to increase India’s presence in global defence markets.
- India’s defence exports to over 100 countries, including the USA and France.
- Global Collaboration in Emerging Domains: Strengthen partnerships in AI, cyber defence, and space technology.
- Collaborations with Japan and the US.
Achieving Atmanirbharta in defence production is essential for national security, economic growth, and strategic autonomy. Strengthening R&D, promoting public-private collaboration, and leveraging technology transfers are crucial. With targeted investments, streamlined processes, and a skilled workforce, India can become a global leader in defence manufacturing, ensuring both security and self-reliance in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges.
‘+1’ Value Addition:
- China commissioned 70 submarines between 1995 and 2020 — nearly three a year. This scale of military production hasn’t been seen since the height of the Second World War.
- India has signed defence industrial roadmaps with the United States and France and plans to negotiate with Italy.
- The parliamentary standing committee on defence recommended the reorganisation of DRDO.
