The Ministry of Defence has identified 18 major platforms for industry-led design and development, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ or self-reliant India. The move is in line with the Union Budget 2022-23, which allocated 25% of the Defence Research and Development (R&D) budget for industry-led R&D. The Ministry’s list includes platforms such as the Hypersonic Glide Vehicle, Directed Energy Weapons, naval ship-borne unmanned aerial systems, lightweight tanks, and autonomous land robots. Other platforms on the list include 127 mm naval guns, electric propulsion engines for ships, communication systems, and high-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles, among others.
The Ministry of Defence’s ‘Make’ category aims to achieve self-reliance by involving greater participation of the Indian industry. Projects involving the design and development of equipment, systems, major platforms, or upgrades can be taken up under this category. For projects under the Make-I sub-category, the Ministry will provide financial support up to 70% of the total cost of prototype development.
Under the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) model, private industry will be encouraged to take up the design and development of military platforms and equipment in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and other organizations. Two platforms have been identified under this category: Long Range Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH).
Startups and MSMEs with high-end innovation will be pursued under the iDEX category, with Low Orbit Pseudo Satellites identified as the selected platform under this category.
Anti-jamming systems for multiple platforms have been listed under Make-II, which is funded by industry with assured procurement.
Approval-In-Principle (AIP) has already been accorded to four platforms on March 3, 2022, under the Make-I category, including communication systems, high-resolution EO pods, standoff airborne jammers, and lightweight tanks.
Indigenous development of these platforms will help harness the design capabilities of the domestic defence industry and position India as a design leader in these technologies. The Ministry of Defence has highlighted that involving Indian industry in the design and development of military platforms and equipment will lead to self-reliance and help achieve the goal of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’.
The identified platforms have been selected based on their criticality for national security, the capacity of the Indian industry to design and develop them, and the potential for export. The development of these platforms will also boost the defence manufacturing sector in India and create more job opportunities.
The Ministry of Defence’s move to allocate a significant portion of its R&D budget for industry-led R&D will encourage greater participation of the Indian industry in the defence sector. This move is in line with the government’s vision of making India self-reliant in defence manufacturing and reducing its dependence on imports. The identification of these platforms for industry-led design and development is a crucial step towards achieving this vision.
The Ministry of Defence’s initiative to involve the Indian industry in the design and development of critical military platforms and equipment is a significant step towards achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The identified platforms, including lightweight tanks and naval ship-borne unmanned aerial systems, will enhance India’s defence capabilities and position it as a design leader in these technologies. The move will also boost the defence manufacturing sector in India and create more job opportunities, aligning with the government’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’.
