Ram Rattan Sharma
India’s defence sector is undergoing a significant transformation, moving from a long standing dependency on imports to a robust push for indigenous manufacturing technological dominance. This “defence revolution” is driven by a strategic vision of self reliance, encapsulated by initiatives like Make in India and :AtmaNirbhar Bharat” .The inauguration of Tata Aircraft complex at the Tata advanced System Limited campus in Vadodara, Gujarat, on October 28, 2024 marks a key milestone in India’s Journey towards Atmanirbharta in defence. This facility dedicated to manufacturing of C-295 military transport aircraft becomes the first privatized sector. Final assembly Line for military aircraft in India, underscores the Government’s commitment to enhancing indigenous production capabilities under the program, ’56, C-295 aircraft will be delivered, with the initial sixteen arriving from Airbus in Spain and the remaining forty produced domestically. This initiative exemplifies India’s shift towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing, aimed at strengthening operational readiness and reducing dependency on foreign imports.
India’s commitment toAtmanirbharta in defence is further evidenced by its transformation from a major transport importer to an emerging centre for indigenous production driven by strategic government policies. This shift reached a landmark in FY 2023-24.with the Ministry of Defence reporting an unprecedented rupees 1.27 lacs crore in domestic defence production. Once reliant on foreign supplies, India now places a high priority on self-reliant manufacturing to meet its security needs, reinforcing its vision to strengthen national resilience and reduce dependency on external sources.
Rise in India’s defence production:-India has achieved the highest ever growth in indigenous defence production in value terms during financial year 2023-24 driven by the successful implementation of Government policies and initiatives led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing on attaining Atmanirbharta. According to data from all defence public sector undertakings other public sector unit manufacturing defence items, and private companies, the value of defence production has surged to record high of Rs.1,24,265 crore representing an impressive increase of approximately 174% from rupees 46,429 crore in 2014-15. Historically India relied heavily on foreign countries for its defence needs with about 65 to 70% of defence equipment being imported.However; this landscape has dramatically shifted, with around 65% of defence equipment now manufactured withinIndia. This transformation reflects the country’s commitment to self-reliance in this critical sector and underscores the strength of its defence industrial base which comprises 16 defence public sector units.Over 430 personalized companies and approximately 16,000 micro small and medium enterprises notably 21% of this production comes from the private sector, bolstering India’s Journey towards self-reliance. As part of the Make in India Initiative major defence platforms such as the DanushArtillery Gun System, Main battle tank (MBT) Arjun, Light Combat Aircraft (ICA)Tejas, submarine frigates, corvettes, and the recently commissioned INS Vikrant have been developed, reflecting the growing capabilities of India’s defence sector. Consequently the annual defence production has not only crossed Rs. 1.27 LakhCrore but is also on track to reach a target of Rs. 1.75 LakhCrore in the current fiscal year, with aspirations to achieve Rs.Three LakhCrore in defence production by 2029.India is solidifying its position as a global manufacturing hub for defence. India’s defence exports have reached an all time high, surging from Rs. 686 crore in FY 2013-14 to 21,083 Crore in FY 2023-24,reflecting a remarkable increase of over 30 times in export value over the past decade.
This achievement is driven by effective policy reforms, initiatives, and improvements in the case of doing business implemented by the government, all aimed at attaining self-reliance in defence. Notably defence exports also experienced a substantial growth of 32.5% over the previous fiscal year, rising from Rs. 15,920 Crore. India’s export portfolio boasts a diverse range of advanced defence equipment, including bullet proof jackets and helmets, Dornier (DO-228) aircraft, Chetak helicopters, fast interceptor boats and lightweight torpedos. A noteworthy highlight is the inclusion of Made in Bihar boots in the Russian army’s equipment, marking a significant milestone for Indian products in the global defence market and showcasing the country’s, high manufacturing standards.
Currently India’s exports to over 100 million with the top three destinations for defence exports in 2023-24 being the USA, France and Armenia. According to Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, the target is to further increase defence exports to Rs. 50,000 crore by 2029; this expanding international footprint underscores India’s commitment to becoming a reliable defence partner globally while bolstering its economic growth through enhanced defence production and exports. In recent years, the Indian government has implemented a series of transformative initiatives aimed at bolstering the country’s defence production capabilities and achieving self-reliance. These measures are designed to attract investment, enhance domestic manufacturing and streamline procurement process. From liberalizing foreign direct investment limits to prioritizing indigenous production, these initiatives reflect a robust commitment to strengthening India’s defence industrial base.
Conclusion: – India’s Journey towards Atmanirbharta in defence reflects a transformative shift from reliance on imports to becoming a self-sufficient manufacturing hub. The record achievements in domestic production and exports underscore the government’s commitment to enhancing national security and bolstering economic growth through robust defence initiatives. With strategic policies in place, a growing emphasis on indigenization and a vibrant defence industrial base, India is poised to not only meet its own security needs but also emerge as a key player in the global arms market. The ambitious targets set for future production and exports signify a strong resolve to reinforce country’s position as a reliable defence partner worldwide. As India continues to innovate and collaborate across sectors, it is well on its way to solidifying its status as a formidable force in global defence manufacturing. India’s Journey from defence dependency to aspiring dominance is a testament to its commitments to national security and economic growth. The significant increase in indigenous production and exports, coupled with a robust policy framework indicated a clear shift while challenges remain. The momentum towards self reliance and innovation is undeniable, positioning India as a rapidly emerging global defence manufacturing hub and a significant player in the international arms market
(The author is Former Dy. Librarian University of Jammu)
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