Atmanirbhar in defense

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.

Source: Indian Express