In a resolute pursuit of self-reliance in the realm of defence manufacturing, India has announced a stringent import ban on 98 weapons and systems, encompassing futuristic infantry combat vehicles, shipborne unmanned aerial systems, medium-range precision kill systems, an array of ammunition, radar systems, sensors, and equipment tailored for fighter jets, maritime surveillance planes, warships, helicopters, and tanks.
This monumental move was unveiled by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during the release of the fifth positive indigenisation list, bringing the total number of major defence items subjected to import restrictions to a staggering 509 over the past three years. The announcement took place at the Indian Navy NIIO seminar on ‘Swavlamban 2.0’ in New Delhi.
The defence ministry’s statement highlights the list’s specific emphasis on replacing imported components of major systems, alongside key platforms, weapon systems, sensors, and munitions. These developments are anticipated to translate into firm orders over the next five to ten years, as articulated by the defence ministry, which meticulously prepared this comprehensive list.
In his address at the seminar, Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar underlined the strategic imperative of self-reliance in defence, asserting that dependence on foreign sources for defence needs presents a critical vulnerability that must be overcome.
India has already unveiled four previous lists that have outlined phased import bans on 411 distinct weapons and platforms. These include light-weight tanks, naval utility helicopters, artillery guns, missiles, destroyers, ship-borne cruise missiles, light combat aircraft, light transport aircraft, long-range land-attack cruise missiles, basic trainer aircraft, airborne early warning and control systems, and multi-barrel rocket launchers. These platforms are expected to be indigenised in the coming five to six years.
The fifth list encompasses articulated all-terrain vehicles, specified types of remotely piloted airborne vehicles, electric light vehicles, next-generation low-level light radars, automatic chemical agent detection and alarm systems, armoured fighting vehicle (AFV) protection and counter-measures systems, and integrated mobile camouflage.
Additionally, it imposes import restrictions on AI-based systems for satellite image analysis, very high-frequency radars, electro-optic fire control systems for naval platforms, armour plates for Mi-17 helicopters, automated mobile test systems for OSA-AK missile systems, and flares for P-8I and MiG-29K aircraft.
The defence ministry anticipates that this list will offer domestic industries increased visibility and opportunities to comprehend the evolving needs of the armed forces. This will enable them to engage in research and development efforts and expand their manufacturing capacity within the nation.
India’s journey towards indigenisation in the defence sector involves a multi-pronged approach, addressing both major defence platforms and their smaller components. This approach encompasses not only import bans on major hardware but also phased import bans on approximately 4,666 smaller items, including replacement units, sub-systems, spares, and components. To date, around 3,000 of these items have been indigenised, with the remaining slated for domestic manufacturing within prescribed timelines, spanning from December 2023 to December 2029.
These items play vital roles in various military platforms, including fighter planes, helicopters, trainer aircraft, warships, tanks, infantry combat vehicles, high-mobility trucks, defence electronics, and diverse ammunition types.
In recent years, India has undertaken several measures to bolster self-reliance in defence. These include the creation of a dedicated budget for purchasing locally-made military hardware, an increase in foreign direct investment from 49% to 74%, and improvements in the ease of doing business. India aspires to achieve a turnover of ₹1.75 lakh crore in defence manufacturing by 2024-25.
The country’s efforts extend beyond reducing import dependence to boosting exports. India has witnessed a significant rise in military exports and a corresponding decrease in imports due to policy initiatives and reforms. Military exports have grown 23-fold between 2013-14 and 2022-23, while spending on imported weapons and systems has decreased from 46% of total expenditure in 2018-19 to 36.7% in December 2022. India has set an ambitious defence export target of ₹35,000 crore by 2024-25.
This monumental shift towards self-reliance in defence underscores India’s commitment to strengthening its national security and promoting domestic innovation in the field of defence manufacturing.