CLAT Gurukul – Best CLAT Coaching Institute for Online & Offline Prep

India’s Defence Modernisation

India’s Defence Modernisation

Why in News?

India has emerged as the world’s fourth-largest defence spender in 2023, highlighting its strategic pivot toward defence self-reliance. Post-pandemic, India has made significant strides in reducing reliance on foreign imports while increasing domestic defence exports. This transformation is pivotal in modernising India’s defence sector and achieving technological autonomy.

Key Strides in India’s Defence Modernisation

  • Transforming Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
    • India is transitioning to a self-reliant defence ecosystem by bolstering indigenous production and reducing reliance on imports.
    • Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP)-2020 prioritises domestic procurement to encourage local manufacturing.
    • In 2023-24, domestic defence production reached a record ₹1.27 lakh crore, a 16.7% rise from the previous year.
    • 75% of the ₹1,40,691 crore capital procurement budget for 2024-25 was allocated for indigenous products, including advanced weapon systems.
  • Surge in Defence Exports
    • India is emerging as a global defence exporter, known for cost-effective and high-quality weaponry.
    • Products like BrahMos missiles and Pinaka rocket systems have gained international recognition.
    • Defence exports soared to ₹21,083 crore in FY 2023-24, a 31-fold increase from a decade ago.
    • The government aims to further boost exports to ₹35,000 crore by 2025 through initiatives like the iDEX scheme.
  • Strategic Defence Partnerships
    • India is collaborating with global defence leaders to co-develop advanced platforms and bridge technological gaps.
    • Examples include:
      • Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders’ partnership with Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems for Project P-75(I) submarine.
      • US-India INDUS-X initiative for AI and hypersonic technologies.
      • India-France agreement in 2023 to jointly produce aero engines.
  • Breakthroughs in Missile Technology and Tactical Systems
    • India’s missile programs showcase significant advancements:
      • Induction of ‘Pralay’ tactical missile enhances battlefield flexibility.
      • Agni Prime missile tests in 2024 demonstrate improved precision and long-range strike capabilities.
  • Expanding Defence Industrial Corridors
    • Two corridors in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh focus on regional development and defence manufacturing.
    • Tamil Nadu’s corridor attracted investments worth ₹11,794 crore by 2024.
    • The corridors aim to attract ₹20,000 crore in total investments.
  • Focus on Space and Cybersecurity Defence
    • India integrates space and cybersecurity into defence strategies:
      • Establishment of the Defence Space Agency.
      • CERT-In strengthens cybersecurity for sensitive defence networks.
      • The Gaganyaan mission (2025) explores potential military applications in space.
  • Positive Indigenization Lists
    • Five lists ban the import of specific defence equipment post-deadlines, driving domestic innovation.
    • Examples: K9 Vajra artillery systems, parts of LCA Tejas.
  • Strengthening Anti-Piracy and Maritime Capabilities
    • India’s naval enhancements include:
      • INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier.
      • Deployment of Sumedha-class patrol vessels in the Indo-Pacific region to combat piracy.

Key Issues Related to India’s Defence Sector

  • Persistent Dependence on Imports
    • India remains a major arms importer with an 11% global share (2018–22).
    • Ongoing conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war disrupt supplies of critical systems like S-400 missiles.
  • Delays in Procurement
    • Bureaucratic inefficiencies cause delays in acquiring advanced weaponry.
    • Example: The Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) took decades to move from concept to induction.
  • Outdated Inventory
    • A significant portion of India’s defence inventory, like T-72 tanks and Bofors howitzers, is obsolete.
  • Insufficient Indigenous Manufacturing Capacity
    • Despite initiatives like Aatmanirbhar Bharat, India relies on imports for critical technologies, such as jet engines.
  • Inadequate Budget for Modernization
    • Over 50% of the defence budget is allocated to salaries and pensions, leaving limited funds for modernization.
  • Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities
    • Breaches like the 2013 DRDO cyber-attack highlight the need for stronger digital defences.
  • Lack of Joint Command Structure
    • Absence of unified theatre commands hampers coordination among forces.
  • Weak Domestic R&D Ecosystem
    • India spends less than 1% of its defence budget on R&D, leading to delays in key projects.
  • Limited Skilled Workforce
    • Shortage of skilled personnel in advanced technologies like AI and robotics slows innovation.

Measures to Enhance Defence Modernisation

  • Streamline Procurement Processes
    • Simplify Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP)-2020.
    • Implement AI-driven systems for efficiency.
  • Increase Budget for Modernisation
    • Allocate a higher share of the budget to capital expenditure for advanced systems.
  • Strengthen Indigenous Manufacturing
    • Integrate Make in India and PLI schemes to boost domestic production.
  • Expand Strategic Partnerships
    • Deepen collaborations like INDUS-X for critical technology transfers.
  • Enhance Cyber and Space Defence
    • Establish dedicated units and strengthen international partnerships.
  • Implement Joint Theatre Commands
    • Fast-track their creation for seamless operations.
  • Leverage Startups via iDEX Scheme
    • Engage startups to scale production of next-gen technologies.
  • Modernise the Navy
    • Prioritise projects like INS Vikrant and Project 75(I) submarines.
  • Focus on Exports
    • Streamline approval processes and showcase systems like BrahMos at global expos.
  • Develop Skilled Workforce
    • Link the Skill India Mission with defence-specific programs.
  • Boost R&D Expenditure
    • Increase investment to 5% of the defence budget to foster innovation.

Conclusion

India’s defence modernisation reflects a balanced approach to achieving self-reliance while fostering global collaborations. Milestones in indigenous production, rising exports, and advanced missile technologies underscore the progress. To address challenges like bureaucratic delays and reliance on imports, sustained focus on innovation, streamlined processes, and a robust R&D ecosystem is essential. As India navigates an evolving security landscape, strengthening its defence sector will ensure comprehensive national security and global competitiveness.

 

Report a question

You cannot submit an empty report. Please add some details.
0%
Created on

ISRO successfully conducts its SpaDEX (Space Docking Experiment)

ISRO successfully conducts its SpaDEX (Space Docking Experiment)

The number of attempts remaining is 2

1 / 20

1. How does ISRO's space docking contribute to future human space exploration?

2 / 20

2. What is the expected launch year for the Bharatiya Antarix Station's first robotic module?

3 / 20

3. What system enables autonomous rendezvous and docking in space?

4 / 20

4. What is the maximum distance achieved during the controlled approach of the two satellites in ISRO's experiment?

5 / 20

5. Which country has launched a 40,000-ton naval ship in record time, demonstrating advanced manufacturing?

6 / 20

6. What term describes the sharing of electrical power between two docked satellites?

7 / 20

7. Which Indian lunar mission will involve docking capability for bringing back lunar samples?

8 / 20

8. Which space docking capability is required for constructing the Bharatiya Antarix Station?

9 / 20

9. What altitude were the satellites maintained at during ISRO's docking experiment?

10 / 20

10. How many kilograms did each satellite used in ISRO's docking experiment weigh?

11 / 20

11. What is the primary purpose of the docking capability for India's future lunar missions?

12 / 20

12. Which two satellites were used by ISRO to demonstrate space docking?

13 / 20

13. What year did NASA first demonstrate space docking through the Gemini VIII mission?

14 / 20

14. Which of the following nations first demonstrated autonomous space docking?

15 / 20

15. Why is docking capability critical for space exploration?

16 / 20

16. What does 'low impact docking' signify in ISRO's context?

17 / 20

17. What is the name of the mission through which ISRO achieved space docking?

18 / 20

18. India became the ____ country to demonstrate space docking after the US, USSR, and China.

19 / 20

19. What is 'space docking' in space exploration?

20 / 20

20. Which Indian organization recently achieved 'space docking'?

Your score is

0%

Your Feeback Is Important!

Thank you for your valuable Feedback!

Scroll to Top