Mains Practice Questions

Approach:

• Introduce the answer by bringing about the significance of Indigenous defence technology citing a recent event.
• Give arguments to Indigenous Defence Technology- Role in Enhancing India’s Strategic Autonomy and National Security and delve into the Issues Related to Indigenous Defence Technology
• Suggest Measures to Enhance Indigenous Defence Technology and National Security
• Conclude suitably

Introduction:

The recent “Operation Sindoor”, a response to the Pahalgam terror attack, highlighted the importance of self-sufficiency in defence capabilities. The deployment of indigenously developed platforms like the LCH Prachand underscored how indigenous defence technology strengthens India’s operational autonomy in critical moments.

Body:

Indigenous Defence Technology- Role in Enhancing India’s Strategic Autonomy and National Security

• Reduced Dependence on Foreign Suppliers: Indigenous defence technology empowers India to minimize reliance on foreign countries for critical military hardware.
  • This is essential in an evolving security landscape where geopolitical tensions can disrupt supply chains, as seen during the Russia-Ukraine war, affecting weapon systems supply.
  • For example, Tejas fighter jets and ATAGS artillery ensure that India is not dependent on foreign nations for strategic assets during crises.
  • 'SPRINT' Scheme aims to promote development of niche defence technologies by domestic companies.
• Operational Continuity During Crises: In high-stakes situations, such as the ongoing standoff with China in Eastern Ladakh, India’s self-sufficiency in defence technology allows it to maintain military operations without waiting for imported supplies or facing delays due to international political uncertainties.
  • Indigenous platforms like the INS Vikrant (aircraft carrier) and Akash missile systems ensure India can act independently and swiftly, enhancing national security.
• Enhanced Technological Capability and Innovation: Indigenous defence innovation helps India develop cutting-edge technologies like AI, quantum computing, and unmanned systems.
  • India’s iDEX initiative has fostered 619 start-ups contributing to R&D, helping India move towards becoming a technological powerhouse rather than a consumer.
  • Also, SRIJAN portal, developed by the Department of Defence Production aims to promote "Make in India" in the defense sector.
• Strengthening Global Defence Diplomacy: By developing indigenous defence technologies, India is emerging as a credible defence exporter in the global arena.
  • Platforms like the BrahMos missile and Tejas enhance India's influence in defence diplomacy, strengthening its ties with countries like the USA, France, and Southeast Asia.
  • This expansion of defence exports not only boosts India's economic position but also adds to its soft power, which is key in an increasingly multipolar world.
• Boost to Economic Growth and Job Creation: Indigenous defence production contributes significantly to economic growth, especially in underdeveloped regions.
  • India’s defence corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are helping create jobs and foster innovation in sectors like aerospace, metallurgy, and electronics.

Issues Related to Indigenous Defence Technology:

• Technological Gaps: Despite significant progress, India continues to face challenges in developing critical technologies like aero-engines, semiconductors, and advanced radar systems.
  • This hampers India’s goal of complete self-reliance, with strategic platforms like fighter jet engines still being sourced from foreign suppliers.
• Low Private Sector Participation: Although the government has pushed for more private sector involvement, private firms contribute only 21% to total defence production, limiting innovation, competition, and scaling up of advanced technology manufacturing.
• Inadequate Investment in Defence R&D: Despite some progress, the percentage of GDP spent on defence R&D remains lower than global standards.
  • This underfunding limits India’s ability to develop next-generation military technologies.
• Export Market Penetration: India’s defence exports, while increasing, still face challenges in penetrating major international markets due to competition from established players like the USA, Russia, and China, limiting the growth potential of India’s defence sector.

Measures to Enhance Indigenous Defence Technology and National Security:

• Strengthen Defence R&D Investment: India needs to substantially increase its R&D spending in defence, aiming for at least 3-5% of the total defence budget.
  • A focus on emerging technologies like AI, hypersonics, and directed energy weapons should be prioritized, along with enhanced collaboration between DRDO, private industry, and academic institutions.
• Increase Private Sector and MSME Participation: To unlock the full potential of indigenous production, India should streamline procurement processes to allow faster entry of private firms and MSMEs.
  • Providing faster clearances, incentives, and easier access to testing and certification will help create a more competitive, innovative defence ecosystem.
• Revamp Defence Procurement System: The Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) should be reformed to ensure faster procurement timelines and simplified approvals.
  • A single-window clearance system can expedite the decision-making process, ensuring timely induction of critical technologies.
• Expand Defence Export Strategy: India must focus on diversifying its defence export markets by identifying new regions such as Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.
  • Strengthening diplomatic ties and participating in defence expos will further facilitate access to global markets, helping India achieve its target of ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029.
• Enhance Testing and Certification Infrastructure: To accelerate indigenous production, India should expand and modernize its testing facilities, particularly for cutting-edge platforms like UAVs, AI-driven systems, and missile technologies.
  • Public-private partnerships (PPP) can be leveraged to create efficient dual-use testing infrastructure in Defence Corridors.

Conclusion:

India’s emphasis on indigenous defence technology is central to enhancing its national security and ensuring strategic autonomy in a volatile global environment. As we move forward, it is clear that "True security lies not in dependence on others, but in the strength we cultivate within ourselves." This self-reliance is the cornerstone for India’s future in both defence and global influence.