Technology Frontlines: The Core of Advanced Defence Manufacturing

India stands at a pivotal moment in its defence journey, transforming from a traditional arms importer into a hub of advanced, indigenous manufacturing. Powered by policy reforms, technological innovation, and strategic ambition, the nation is forging a new era of military self-reliance.

- Kaushal Dighavkar Sub Editor

India stands at a pivotal moment in its defence journey, transforming from a traditional arms importer into hub of advanced, indigenous manufacturing. Powered by policy reforms, technological innovation, and strategic ambition, the nation is forging a new era of military self-reliance.

India, a global top-importer of defence equipment, is in the midst of a revolutionary process to emerge as a self-sustaining and technologically advanced defence manufacturing nation. Stimulated by strategic requirements, strong policy efforts, and a growing industrial base, India's foray into high-end defence manufacturing is slowly remoulding its military readiness, industrial foundation, and international stature.

The Strategic Imperative

India's geopolitical situation, with frequent tensions at the northern borders and its Indian Ocean Region maritime interests, calls for a contemporary and nimble defence establishment. India, in the past, has depended substantially on imports from nations such as Russia, France, the United States, and Israel. This dependency on imports has left the country open to supply chain vulnerabilities, technology black-boxing, and tardy deliveries at times of urgent requirement.

The momentum towards Atmanirbharta or self-reliance in defence has therefore become not only an industrial or economic imperative, but a strategic necessity. At the core of this change are advanced defence manufacturing, defined as the consolidation of next-generation technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), additive manufacturing, robotics, and smart materials into defence manufacturing processes.

Policy Push: Facilitating Ecosystem for Indigenous Development

The government of India has initiated a series of ambitious reforms to give a boost to defence production: