Defence indigenisation to stay course

INDIA is fast-tracking indigenous production across key military platforms—ranging from small arms and artillery to fighter jets, warships, and submarines—to reduce dependence on imports and secure supply chains amid changing geopolitical dynamics.

- MAYANK SINGH @ New Delhi

According to defence officials, "the changing geopolitics portends serious supply-chain disruption if our military remains largely dependent on imports." Recent engine shortages during the Russia-Ukraine conflict underscored these vulnerabilities, with delays even impacting delivery of fighter jet engines from the US.

One notable example was the supply issues faced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) with General Electric engines powering the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. While the situation has improved this year, the episode highlighted India's need to localise critical components. HAL is set to induct 180 LCA Tejas Mk 1A aircraft—an upgraded variant of the indigenous Tejas—over the coming years.