New Delhi, October 29 (IANS). India has historically been heavily dependent on foreign countries for its defense needs. About 65-70 percent of defense equipment was imported. But, this scenario has changed now. Now about 65 percent of defense equipment is being manufactured in India.
Dhanush Artillery Gun System, Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Submarines, Frigates, Corvettes and recently as part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative Major defense platforms like the commissioned INS Vikrant have been developed. These reflect the growing capabilities of India’s defense sector.
The Defense Ministry says that this change reflects the country’s eagerness towards self-reliance in an important sector like defence. It also underlines the strength of the defense industrial base, which includes 16 Defense Public Sector Units (DPSUs), over 430 licensed companies and approximately 16,000 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Noteworthy is the fact that 21 percent of this production comes from the private sector, which emphasizes India’s journey towards self-reliance. India was once dependent on foreign suppliers for defense equipment, however, India is now giving priority to self-reliant manufacturing for its security needs. India has achieved the highest ever growth in indigenous defense production in value terms during the financial year 2023-24. Its objective is to achieve self-reliance in the defense sector.
According to data from all Defense Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), other public sector units and private companies manufacturing defense equipment, the amount of defense production has increased to a record high of Rs 1,27,265 crore, up from Rs 46,429 crore in 2014-15. crore representing an impressive growth of approximately 174 per cent from Rs.
The C-295 military transport aircraft manufacturing complex at Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) campus in Vadodara, Gujarat has become the first private sector full assembly line (FAL) for military aircraft in India. Under this project, 56 C-295 aircraft will be produced, of which the initial 16 aircraft will come from Spain-based Airbus and the remaining 40 aircraft will be produced domestically.
As a result of all this, the annual defense production has not only crossed Rs 1.27 lakh crore, but it is also on track to reach the target of Rs 1.75 lakh crore in the current financial year. With aspirations to achieve defense production of up to Rs 3 lakh crore by 2029, India is strengthening its position as a global manufacturing hub for defence.
India’s export portfolio includes a diverse range of advanced defense equipment. These include bulletproof jackets and helmets, Dornier (DO-228) aircraft, Chetak helicopters, high-speed interceptor boats and light-weight torpedoes.
The addition of ‘Made in Bihar’ boots to the Russian Army equipment is an important milestone for Indian products in the global defense market and showcases the country’s high manufacturing standards.
–IANS
GCB/ABM
