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India Gazette
4 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
India has redefined its defence capabilities with emphasis on self-reliance
New Delhi [India], June 19 (ANI): India has emerged as a formidable global leader over the past 11 years, driven by bold initiatives that fuse ambition with action, with the country making significant strides in indigenizing its defence sector, with defence exports witnessing a multifold increase over the past 11 years. India achieved its highest-ever defence production in Financial Year 2023-24, with the total value touching Rs 1,27,434 crore. This marks a 174 per cent rise from Rs 46,429 crore in 2014-15, according to an official statement from the government. Indigenous platforms such as the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, Arjun tank, Akash missile system, ALH Dhruv helicopter, and several naval vessels have all contributed to this success. The growth has been powered by focused policies and a strong push for Atmanirbharta, or self-reliance. In FY 2024-25, India recorded defence exports worth Rs 23,622 crore, up from Rs 686 crore in FY 2013-14. The private sector contributed Rs 15,233 crore, while DPSUs accounted for Rs 8,389 crore, a 42.85 percent jump from the previous year. Over 1,700 export authorisations were granted in the same year. India now exports a diverse range of products such as bulletproof jackets, helicopters, torpedoes, and patrol boats. The USA, France, and Armenia were the top buyers in 2023-24. With the goal of reaching Rs 50,000 crore in exports by 2029, India is firmly positioning itself as a global hub for defence manufacturing. The government has issued five Positive Indigenisation Lists that limit imports and encourage local manufacturing. Over 5,500 items are covered under these lists, of which 3,000 had been indigenised by February 2025. The lists include everything from basic components to advanced systems like radars, rockets, artillery, and light helicopters. This structured push has ensured that critical capabilities are now being built within the country. Two dedicated Defence Industrial Corridors have been established in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. These corridors have attracted investments worth over Rs 8,658 crore and signed 253 memoranda of understanding (MoU) with an estimated investment potential of Rs 53,439 crore as of February 2025. Spread across 11 nodes in both states, these hubs are providing the infrastructure and incentives needed to turn India into a defence manufacturing powerhouse. The Ministry of Defence also signed 193 contracts worth Rs 2,09,050 crore in 2024-25 -- the highest ever in a single year. Of these, 177 contracts were awarded to the domestic industry, amounting to Rs 1,68,922 crore. This shows a clear shift towards prioritising Indian manufacturers and strengthening the defence ecosystem within the country. The focus on indigenous procurement has also boosted job creation and technological advancement. Launched in April 2018, Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) has fostered a vibrant ecosystem for innovation and technology development in the defence and aerospace sectors. By engaging MSMEs, startups, individual innovators, R&D institutes, and academia, iDEX has provided grants of up to Rs 1.5 crore to support the development of cutting-edge technologies. Strengthening its impact, the Armed Forces have procured 43 items worth over Rs 2,400 crore from iDEX-supported startups and MSMEs, reflecting growing trust in indigenous innovation for defence preparedness. To further enhance self-reliance in defence technology, Rs 449.62 crore has been allocated to iDEX, including its sub-scheme Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI), for 2025-26. As of February 2025, 549 problem statements have been opened, involving 619 startups and MSMEs, with 430 iDEX contracts signed. India's maritime strategy centres on vigilance, quick response and active regional engagement. With a long coastline and key shipping routes to protect, the Indian Navy plays a vital role in safeguarding national and economic interests. Guided by the Prime Minister's vision of MAHASAGAR, India promotes cooperation and stability across oceans. Over the past year, in response to piracy and rising threats in the Western Arabian Sea, the Navy deployed over 35 ships, conducted more than 1,000 boarding operations and responded to 30-plus incidents. These efforts saved over 520 lives and ensured safe passage for 312 merchant vessels carrying cargo worth more than 5.3 billion US dollars. India's commitment extends beyond defence. It remains a reliable first responder in the Indian Ocean Region for humanitarian and disaster relief missions. In September 2024, India launched Operation Sadbhav to support Laos, Vietnam and Myanmar after Typhoon Yagi. In April 2025, it hosted the 'Africa India Key Maritime Engagement' (AIKEYME) exercise with ten African nations, strengthening maritime ties and shared responses to regional challenges. India's maritime outlook balances strong naval presence with inclusive diplomacy, shaping a secure and cooperative Indo-Pacific, the statement said. (ANI)
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
11 years of India's defence sector: From indigenous production to global exports and redefined national security
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Record defence contracts Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Rise in defence export Key defence acquisitions and approvals Nari Shakit in defence Counter-terrorism and internal security Surgical strikes and Balakot air strikes Operation SINDOOR Counterterrorism measures in Jammu and Kashmir Fight against Naxalism India's defence sector has witnessed an extraordinary transformation over the last eleven years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. The sector saw a steady rise in its defence budget, resulting in record-breaking production and a surge in defence budget has steadily risen, from Rs 2.53 lakh crore in 2013-14 to Rs 6.81 lakh crore in 2025-26. This sharp increase reflects India's commitment to strengthening its military foundations, according to a government industry is now deeply involved, and innovation has taken centre stage. The development of Indigenous platforms, new-age technologies, and defence corridors shows how serious the government is about long-term results are striking. Record-breaking production, a surge in exports, targeted investments, and landmark defence contracts each point to a defence ecosystem on the rise. India is not just modernising its forces; it is shaping a new future where strength and self-reliance go hand in defence manufacturing has seen a remarkable transformation in the last eleven years. In 2023-24, the country recorded its highest ever defence production, touching Rs 1.27 lakh crore. This is a sharp rise of 174 per cent compared to Rs 46,429 crore in 2014-15, according to the shift from import dependence to domestic production has been both strategic and swift. With clear political direction and consistent reforms, India has moved towards true self-reliance in defence. The focus has been on developing a strong industrial base anchored in indigenous design and government's push to prioritise domestic procurement in defence acquisition has further boosted production. Public sector undertakings and private companies are both contributing to this new era of growth. From aircraft and missiles to surveillance systems and artillery, the range of indigenous products continues to Ministry of Defence signed 193 contracts worth Rs 2,09,050 crore in 2024-25 -- the highest ever in a single year. Of these, 177 contracts were awarded to the domestic industry, amounting to Rs 1,68,922 crore, the release shows a clear shift towards prioritising Indian manufacturers and strengthening the defence ecosystem within the country. The focus on indigenous procurement has also boosted job creation and technological Two dedicated Defence Industrial Corridors have been established in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. These corridors have attracted investments worth over Rs 8,658 crore and signed 253 MoUs with an estimated investment potential of Rs 53,439 crore as of February 2025. Spread across 11 nodes in both states, these hubs are providing the infrastructure and incentives needed to turn India into a defence manufacturing government has issued five Positive Indigenisation Lists that limit imports and encourage local manufacturing. Over 5,500 items are covered under these lists, of which 3,000 had been indigenised by February indigenised technologies include artillery guns, assault rifles, corvettes, sonar systems, transport aircraft, light combat helicopters (LCHs), radars, wheeled armoured platforms, rockets, bombs, armoured command post vehicles, and armoured dozers. This structured push has ensured that critical capabilities are now being built within the in April 2018, Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) has fostered a vibrant ecosystem for innovation and technology development in the defence and aerospace sectors. By engaging MSMEs, startups, individual innovators, R&D institutes, and academia, iDEX has provided grants of up to Rs 1.5 crore to support the development of cutting-edge technologies. Strengthening its impact, the Armed Forces have procured 43 items worth over Rs 2,400 crore from iDEX-supported startups and MSMEs, reflecting growing trust in indigenous innovation for defence preparedness, according to the further enhance self-reliance in defence technology, Rs 449.62 crore has been allocated to iDEX, including its sub-scheme Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI), for 2025-26. As of February 2025, 549 problem statements have been opened, involving 619 startups and MSMEs, with 430 iDEX contracts defence exports have seen an extraordinary rise over the past eleven years. What once stood at just Rs686 crore in 2013-14 has soared to Rs23,622 crore in 2024-25. This marks a 34-fold increase and reflects the government's sharp focus on building a self-reliant and globally competitive defence industry, according to the releaseThe transformation has not happened by chance. It is the outcome of clear vision, strong policy reforms and consistent efforts to boost domestic manufacturing. From easing export procedures to pushing for product diversification, the government has laid a strong foundation for global 1,700 export authorisations were granted in 2024-25 alone. India now supplies a wide range of defence equipment to countries across the world. These include bulletproof jackets, patrol boats, helicopters, radars and even advanced systems like torpedoes. Major buyers include the United States, France and Armenia. Their interest signals growing trust in Indian defence products and the country's credibility as a reliable target ahead is ambitious yet achievable. With plans to cross Rs50,000 crore in exports by 2029, India is moving steadily towards becoming a global hub for defence production. The last decade has made one thing clear. India is no longer just a buyer. It is fast becoming a builder and exporter of military the past year, India has stepped up its defence preparedness with major acquisitions and approvals that underline the government's commitment to modernisation and self-reliance. These decisions not only bolster military capabilities but also strengthen the domestic defence Missile Systems: In March 2024, the government signed a significant contract with BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited for the procurement of BrahMos missiles, valued at Rs 19,518.65 crore. These missiles will meet the Indian Navy 's operational and training needs. The project is expected to generate about nine lakh man-days of employment at the joint venture level and around 135 lakh man-days in ancillary industries, many of which are MSMEs. Additionally, a separate contract worth Rs988.07 crore was signed for the procurement of the ship-borne BrahMos missile system, according to Drones: India finalised a key deal with the United States for the acquisition of 31 MQ-9B drones. These long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles will enhance surveillance and precision capabilities across the armed Combat Helicopters (LCH) Prachand: On March 28, 2025, two contracts were signed with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the supply of 156 LCH Prachand helicopters, worth Rs62,700 crore (excluding taxes). The Indian Air Force will receive 66 helicopters and the Indian Army will get 90. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the third year and continue over five years. Designed for high-altitude missions, Prachand has over 65 percent indigenous content and involves 250 domestic companies, mostly MSMEs, generating over 8,500 Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA): In May 2025, India's defence sector achieved a major milestone with the approval of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Programme Execution Model, a strategic initiative to boost indigenous aerospace capabilities. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) will implement the programme through competitive industry partnerships, ensuring equal opportunities for both private and public sector players while mandating full compliance with Indian Refuelling Aircraft (FRA): The Ministry of Defence signed a wet lease agreement with Metrea Management for one KC-135 Flight Refuelling Aircraft. This is the first time the Indian Air Force has opted for a wet-leased FRA, which will be used for air-to-air refuelling training of pilots from both the Air Force and Navy. Delivery is expected within six Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS): The Cabinet Committee on Security approved the procurement of 307 ATAGS along with 327 High Mobility 6x6 Gun Towing Vehicles at an estimated cost of Rs 7,000 crore. These guns will equip 15 artillery regiments. Developed by DRDO in partnership with Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems, ATAGS features a firing range of over 40 kilometres, advanced fire control systems, automated loading, and recoil management. The system has been rigorously tested in diverse conditions and has proven its effectiveness and reliability, according to the have taken centre stage in India's defence forces over the last eleven years. In 2014, there were just around 3,000 women officers across the services. Today, that number has grown to over 11,000, reflecting a clear shift in policy and mindset. The current government has opened new doors for women in uniform. Permanent Commission has been granted to 507 women officers, allowing them to pursue long-term careers and take on leadership roles. This move has reshaped opportunities for women across ranks and branches, according to the National Defence Academy NDA ) has undergone a historic transformation by inducting female cadets, starting with the first batch of 17 in August 2022 as part of the 148th NDA course. Since then, 126 female cadets have joined across four batches, up to the 153rd course. On May 30, 2025, a landmark moment was marked when these 17 female cadets were among the 336 cadets who graduated from the 148th Course - Spring Term 2025. This shift reflects the broader integration of women across defence domains, from combat support to piloting fighter jets, underscoring the belief that strength and service transcend firm and clear-eyed approach to internal security and counter-terrorism over the last eleven years reflects the government's unwavering resolve to prioritise national interest above all. From precision military strikes across borders to strategic dismantling of insurgent networks within, India has shed the hesitations of the past. A clear doctrine now guides action, swift, decisive and backed by intelligence. With the abrogation of Article 370, the campaign against Naxalism, and new capabilities in high-tech defence, India today stands more secure and self-reliant than ever before. Operation SINDOOR , India's swift and precise military response to a terror attack in April 2025, further demonstrated this resolve. These successes are a result of political will, military strength and a deeply rooted belief in putting the country a bold departure from past restraint, India responded to the terrorist attack in Uri on 18 soldiers by conducting Surgical Strikes on 28-29 September 2016. These strikes inflicted heavy losses on terrorists and their protectors across the Line of Control. A few years later, on 14 February 2019, the Pulwama terror attack claimed 40 CRPF jawans. India's response came swiftly. On 26 February 2019, in an intelligence-led operation, the Balakot airstrikes eliminated a large number of Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists, including senior commanders. The facility targeted was located far from civilian areas and headed by Maulana Yousuf Azhar, brother-in-law of JeM chief Masood Azhar. These pre-emptive actions showed the world that India would no longer tolerate proxy war through April 2025, following a brutal terror attack on civilians in Pahalgam, India launched Operation SINDOOR, executing precise retaliatory strikes against nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian military, acting on accurate intelligence, relied on drone strikes, loitering munitions, and layered air defence to neutralise key threats without crossing international boundaries. Key command centers of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) were destroyed, severely disrupting their operational capabilities. The strikes resulted in over 100 terrorists killed in action, including individuals linked to the IC-814 hijack and the Pulwama blast, like Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf and Mudassir Ahmad, according to the Pakistan launched drone and missile attacks on 7-8 May against multiple Indian cities and bases, these were swiftly intercepted, showcasing the effectiveness of India's net-centric warfare systems and integrated counter-UAS (unmanned aerial systems) 5 August 2019, Parliament approved the removal of Article 370 and 35-A, marking a historic correction of a decades-old imbalance. Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh were brought at par with other regions, and over 890 Central laws were applied. As many as 205 state laws were repealed, and 130 modified to align with the Constitution of then, development in the region has accelerated. Marginalised groups like Valmikis, Dalits, and Gorkhas now enjoy full rights. Laws such as the Right to Education and Child Marriage Act now protect all citizens in the region. The impact is clear: terrorist-initiated incidents have dropped from 228 in 2018 to just 28 in 2024, demonstrating a strong correlation between integration and peace. Additionally, stone-pelting incidents have recorded a 100% drop, marking a new era of successful conduct of the J&K Assembly Elections in 2024, held in three phases with a 63% voter turnout, further underscores the region's embrace of democratic participation and stability, demonstrating a strong correlation between integration and multi-pronged approach to Left Wing Extremism has delivered historic gains. From 126 affected districts in 2010, the number has come down to just 38 by April 2024. Most affected districts were reduced from 12 to 6, and the number of casualties is at a 30-year low. Violence has declined sharply from 1,936 incidents in 2010 to 374 in 2024, an 81 per cent drop. Deaths have reduced by 85 per cent over the same 2024 alone, 290 Naxals were neutralised, 1,090 arrested, and 881 surrendered. Major recent operations in March 2025 saw 50 Naxals surrender in Bijapur, 16 neutralised in Sukma, and 22 killed in Kanker and Bijapur. Another landmark achievement came with Operation Black Forest in Chhattisgarh, where 27 dreaded Maoists, including Basavaraju, a general secretary ranked leader, the first such high-ranking neutralisation in 30 years, were eliminated. Additionally, 54 Naxalites were arrested, and 84 surrendered in this continued support through Special Central Assistance and targeted development, the government is on track to eliminate Naxalism by 31 March 2026, the release added.
NDTV
27-05-2025
- Business
- NDTV
Akash System, AI Drones, And Why India Can't 'Outsource' Security
Strategic autonomy remains an illusion in the absence of technological sovereignty. A nation that lacks the capacity to manufacture its own armaments finds itself vulnerable to the whims of key defence exporting countries. Its military strategies are contingent upon supply chains beyond its influence, and its ability to deter adversaries is compromised by reliance on others. Theoretical frameworks derived from realist international relations, especially structural realism, indicate that in an anarchic world system, the primary imperative for the state is survival. Survival is an endeavour that cannot be delegated to others. When the integrity of national security relies on external validation, even the most formidable diplomatic efforts become ineffective against embargoes, export restrictions, or the unpredictable nature of geopolitical dynamics. Learning From The Past History presents stark reminders. In 1965, India's military endeavours were significantly hindered by a US arms embargo. In 1991, amidst the Gulf War, Saudi Arabia, despite possessing an abundance of Western armaments, depended wholly on the United States for the protection of its oil fields. In stark contrast, Israel has not only endured but flourished, and through strategic alliances and a steadfast commitment has developed its own capabilities. Therefore, countries that delegate their defence industrial capabilities relinquish control over their strategic destiny. Atmanirbharta, or self-reliance, in defence transcends mere rhetoric. This strategic realisation is beginning to pay dividends for India. Despite still being the world's second-largest arms importer, accounting for 8.3% of global imports, just behind Ukraine's 8.4% according to SIPRI, India has shifted course since 2014. The focus has moved beyond mere procurement towards co-development, co-production, and indigenous innovation. The aim is no longer just to acquire weapons but to build the capacity to design and produce them domestically. Initiatives such as the Defence Industrial Corridors in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh, the corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board, and the launch of Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) signal a structural push towards developing in-house defence R&D. Successes like the Tejas fighter jet, the DRDO-developed anti-satellite missile (ASAT), and the Agni-V intercontinental ballistic missile are no longer isolated achievements, they reflect the emergence of a broader, self-sustaining military-industrial ecosystem. Simultaneously, technology transfer agreements and licensed production under the Strategic Partnership Model are enabling Indian firms to move up the value chain. India is no longer content being a passive buyer, it is steadily becoming a sovereign producer. Atmanirbharta in defence is not a distant goal. It is fast becoming the country's strategic posture. All That Was Used In Op Sindoor Operation Sindoor has given us the clearest evidence of how far India has come as far as innovation in defence tech is concerned. The mission, launched in retaliation to the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, was conducted entirely without crossing the Line of Control, relying on high-precision, domestically engineered strike and surveillance systems. Among the most crucial was the Akash Surface-to-Air Missile System, which provided short-range protection against incoming aerial threats. Backed by the Akashteer Air Defence Control and Reporting System, Indian forces intercepted all hostile drones and missiles with 100% success, demonstrating real-time net-centric warfare capabilities powered by domestic radar, telemetry, and sensor integration. The Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) served as the backbone of coordination, linking airbases, radar units, and weapon platforms across the services under a single digital command structure. For offensive capabilities, SkyStriker loitering munitions, manufactured domestically under technology transfer from Israel's Elbit Systems, enabled deep penetration and destruction of enemy radar and missile installations. These AI-enabled kamikaze drones hovered over target zones, identified high-value assets, and struck with zero collateral damage. The Indian Air Force also deployed long-range drones for real-time ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance), while DRDO-developed electronic warfare systems successfully jammed Pakistan's Chinese-supplied radar and missile infrastructure, completing the mission in under 23 minutes, without any loss of Indian assets. Ground forces remained on high alert using a layered defensive posture comprising legacy systems like Pechora and OSA-AK, and new-generation assets like Akash-NG and LLQRM (Low-Level Quick Reaction Missiles). The Indian Army's Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) grid and shoulder-fired missiles formed the first layer of protection, reinforced by low-level air defence (LLAD) guns and electro-optical tracking systems. Notably, India's indigenous satellite assets, including those from ISRO, provided 24x7 strategic situational awareness. More than 10 satellites were operational in monitoring India's 7,000-km coastline and the northern theatre during the mission, highlighting the seamless integration of space-based sensors into real-time tactical decision-making. The operation also exposed and neutralised advanced foreign-origin platforms deployed by Pakistan, including PL-15 air-to-air missiles, Turkish-origin UAVs, and Chinese-made quadcopters, all of which were rendered ineffective by India's domestic air defence ecosystem. A Decade Of Work Behind the success of Operation Sindoor lies a decade of focused investment in building indigenous capacity. The iDEX platform, Strategic Partnership Model, Defence Industrial Corridors in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh, and the ban on imported drones in 2021 catalysed the rise of Indian firms in the UAV and defence electronics space. Firms like Alpha Design Technologies, Paras Defence, and Tata Advanced Systems are now core contributors to India's tactical autonomy. India's drone market, projected to reach $11 billion by 2030, is rapidly emerging as a key pillar of national security. Let The Momentum Remain To consolidate Operation Sindoor's gains and realise full-spectrum strategic autonomy, India must urgently address key gaps across its defence ecosystem. The most pressing is the development of indigenous jet engines. Despite progress in airframe design, India remains reliant on foreign propulsion systems, which is a critical vulnerability. We still rely on GE engines for Tejas, and deliveries are behind schedule. Reviving the Kaveri engine programme, backed by a National Aero-Engine Mission with global partnerships and IP retention, is imperative. Equally important is scaling the indigenous drone ecosystem. India must accelerate the development of HALE/MALE drones, autonomous loitering munitions, and AI-powered drone swarms. The CATS Warrior and TAPAS-BH platforms must be supported with robust R&D funding, domestic payload production, and regulatory clarity. In parallel, India must localise avionics, AESA radars, mission computers, and electronic warfare (EW) suites. Modern warfare is increasingly software-defined, and foreign dependence for these components creates the risk of supply chain disruption or strategic denial. DRDO's Uttam radar and integrated EW systems must be expanded across all military platforms. On the missile front, India must invest in hypersonic glide vehicles, scramjet propulsion, and advanced seekers. While systems like Agni-V and BrahMos have established deterrence, the next phase requires indigenising guidance, propulsion, and warhead technologies to reduce exposure to sanctions. Don't Forget Navy Naval self-reliance is equally essential. India must develop indigenous nuclear propulsion, air-independent systems for submarines, and sonar suites for warships. The strategic shipbuilding base, strengthened by projects like INS Vikrant, needs technological depth and private-sector integration to meet future maritime threats. Space-based defence infrastructure must be hardened and expanded, especially satellite surveillance, communication, and navigation systems. ISRO's constellation of military satellites proved effective in Operation Sindoor, but micro-satellite swarms, missile early-warning sensors, and secure relay networks are the next frontier. India must also invest in cyber and AI warfare. A dedicated Defence Cyber Command is needed to build offensive and defensive capabilities, alongside AI tools for battlefield management, autonomous weapons, and predictive logistics. Finally, defence-grade electronics, semiconductors, embedded systems, and secure microcontrollers must be domestically produced. India's semiconductor mission must explicitly include military applications to secure its electronic backbone. The next decade will determine whether India merely reduces dependence or truly rewires its defence ecosystem for self-sufficiency. The challenge now is not one of intent but of scale, speed, and strategic discipline. As defence technology becomes increasingly complex, interdisciplinary, and software-defined, India must foster deep integration between research labs, private industry, and operational commands. This will require not just funding or policy reform, but a cultural shift, one that values iterative innovation, tolerates risk, and treats defence R&D as a national strategic asset rather than a budget line.
New Indian Express
27-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Centre-state synergy should boost startup ecosystem
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It was quite an exciting and eye-opening experience to be part of a group of defence vloggers who were discussing a remotely piloted aerial vehicle (RPAV) developed recently by a fledgling startup that won the Centre's iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) challenge. As operational pictures emerged, a Malayali vlogger remarked, 'Imagine this launcher on a small patrol boat. With proper training and situational awareness, the Navy can wreak havoc with this. Good stuff from the startup — hope they succeed.' Such innovation reflects the growing momentum among young minds aiming to break into defence technology, particularly following Operation Sindoor. Here, Kerala's strategic relevance is underscored by its status as home to the national space agency and as a rising hub for startups. 'Most startups are now in the space sector, although defence has been getting attention in the last few years. The products are finishing only now after incubation,' said Varun G, technical officer at Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), which reportedly has tie-ups with about 60 defence-based startups. Experts point out that proficiency in space technology translates effectively into defence capabilities. Prateesh V Nair, CEO of space startup Tachlog, explains: 'Whatever you do in space, the same can be done in defence with not as much complexity. We are a space startup but are now aggressively pushing into defence as well.' Prateesh sees this sector only growing. The key word is indigenisation. 'What we witnessed recently was a direct result of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative,' he said. 'For example, we used our own NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) system instead of relying on the US-based GPS for surveillance. Kerala has potential — but it must be requirement-driven. Defence prefers end-to-end products, not just specific parts or projects, which makes funding more challenging. Now, with IDEX stepping in, opportunities will only grow.' Prateesh also highlights the risks of collaborative efforts like the Indo-Russian BrahMos missile. Such partnerships involve tech transfers, but with deterrents in place to prevent use against the partner nation in future conflicts. 'Every country does this. If we devise systems ourselves, we are in full control,' he said.
New Indian Express
11-05-2025
- Science
- New Indian Express
Use Op Sindoor to speed up R&D in drone tech: Experts
BENGALURU: As drones are being used extensively in Operation Sindoor, experts point out that this war-like situation should be used to learn and scale up the pace of R&D in counter-drone technologies, and indigenous development of micro-controls and lethal technologies. While most of the drones being used in Op Sindoor were made in Bengaluru, Pune and Gurugram-Noida circuit, microchips, microprocessors and micro controllers are being imported, including from Taiwan. A DRDO official, seeking anonymity, said the work on improving drones and other technological interventions is being taken up by the organisation in partnership with private firms and experts. Prof Abhishekh, Department of Aerospace, IIT-Kanpur, said that a lot of research has been done in the drone sector since 2018 and now, the work on counter-drone technologies is being strengthened. These include early detection, radio frequency jamming and laser technology to neutralise drones. Experts said this should be done faster as the drone industry is growing at a rapid pace, especially over the last five years. They pointed out that drones are a Rs 1,500 crore market, much lesser than what it could have been by 2025. The country has over a 1,000 registered drone companies, but only 10-15 have partnered with government agencies and are seriously working on design and development. Experts pointed out that work is also being done in improving beyond-the-line-of-sight technology in drones, and India is lagging behind other countries. The defence sector should use the IDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) platform to place orders with startups to strengthen drone manufacturing and come up with innovative ideas, they added. Chief Research Scientist, Department of Aerospace Engineering, IISc, SB Omkar, said there is a lot of potential for growth in the drone industry but technological advances come with a cost, which the government should now support. Omkar, who is also chairperson for drone standardisation in India, said that volumes can be attained with economics and spreading drone usage across the country. Yusuf Unjhawala, Adjunct Scholar, Takshila University, Bengaluru, said that the use of drones in warfare heightened after the Ukraine war. Now, work needs to be done based on imagination and anticipating demand. Technological advances are being worked out to make drones more lethal, compact, cheaper, long-ranging, faster and with more sensors. The lineage is more towards AI operations, he added.
