Perspective: India’s Defence Prowess | 14 February, 2023

Summary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi showcased India as an attractive destination for defense manufacturing investment, emphasizing the country's progress in becoming a leading exporter of military hardware. Speaking at the 14th Aero India event in Bengaluru, he highlighted the increase in defense exports and set a goal of reaching $5 billion by 2024-25. The event, featuring over 800 exhibitors from 100 countries, underscores India's growing capabilities and self-confidence in the defense sector. Experts discussed the transformation from visual to business appeal and the importance of private sector collaboration in achieving these ambitious targets.

Takeaways

• 🇮🇳 Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India's potential as a leading exporter of military hardware, with a goal to increase defense exports to $5 billion by 2024-25.
• 🎉 The 14th Aero India showcased India's self-confidence and capabilities, attracting over 100 countries and more than 800 exhibitors, reflecting the growth of India's defense sector.
• 🔄 India's defense exports have increased sixfold in the last 8-9 years, crossing the $1.5 billion mark, indicating a significant rejuvenation of the defense production sector.
• 🛫 The Aero India event has evolved from a visual delight to a business platform, promoting indigenous weapon systems and fostering defense partnerships with other countries.
• 🛠️ The Indian government has been actively deregulating the defense manufacturing sector and encouraging the private sector's involvement to achieve national progress.
• 🤝 There is a strategic shift towards 'Make in India' and 'Make for India', focusing on indigenous technology and creating confidence in global defense markets.
• 🚀 India is making significant strides in the aerospace domain, including satellites, UAVs, and advanced weapon systems, aiming to be competitive in cost and capability.
• 🔩 The private sector plays a crucial role in component and sub-assembly level exports, with a need for more support to expand into larger markets and OEM partnerships.
• 🛡️ India's defense preparedness is a priority, with a focus on strengthening the country's fleet and capabilities to address threats from hostile neighbors.
• 🚁 The Indian Air Force is undergoing modernization, with new orders for LCA, transport aircraft, and helicopters, aiming to replace aging fleets and enhance combat strength.
• 🌐 The Indian government is considering collaborations and technology transfers for advanced systems like engines and LRUs to build a robust defense manufacturing ecosystem.

Q & A

What was the main theme of Aero India 2023?

The main theme of Aero India 2023 was 'The Runway to a Billion Opportunities,' emphasizing India's growing potential and self-confidence in the defense and aerospace sector.

How has India's defense export figure changed in recent years according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi?

According to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India's defense exports have increased six times, crossing the figure of one and a half billion dollars, and the goal is to further increase exports to 5 billion dollars by 2024-25.

What is the significance of the Aero India event for India's defense manufacturing sector?

The Aero India event is significant for India's defense manufacturing sector as it showcases the country's capabilities, attracts foreign investment, and serves as a platform for forging defense partnerships with other countries.

What is the role of the private sector in India's defense manufacturing sector as discussed by the panelists?

The private sector plays a crucial role in India's defense manufacturing sector by contributing to the production of weapon systems, components, and supporting the ecosystem for indigenous technology development and exports.

How has the Indian government's policy impacted the defense manufacturing sector in recent years?

The Indian government's policy has impacted the defense manufacturing sector by rejuvenating the production sector, promoting private sector involvement, and encouraging indigenous technology development and exports.

What is the current status of India's indigenous weapon systems and platforms in terms of development and export?

India's indigenous weapon systems and platforms are being showcased at Aero India 2023, indicating a paradigm shift towards self-reliance and the export of these systems to other countries, competing in terms of cost and capability.

What are the challenges faced by India in terms of ecosystem and technology availability for defense manufacturing?

The challenges faced by India in defense manufacturing include the need for a robust ecosystem supporting the whole system, the availability of research and development, and access to advanced technologies for weapon systems and platforms.

How does India plan to enhance its defense preparedness and fleet strength?

India plans to enhance its defense preparedness and fleet strength by focusing on indigenization, developing its own weapon systems and platforms, and forging strategic defense partnerships with other countries.

What is the potential of India's defense manufacturing sector in terms of exports and global partnerships?

The potential of India's defense manufacturing sector in terms of exports and global partnerships is significant, with the aim to become a leading exporter of military hardware and to create confidence in the international market through reliable partnerships and cost competitiveness.

How does Aero India serve as a platform for connecting Indian MSMEs to the global supply chain?

Aero India serves as a platform for connecting Indian MSMEs to the global supply chain by providing opportunities for these companies to meet and engage with international OEMs, showcase their capabilities, and establish partnerships for component manufacturing and exports.

What are the future targets set by the Indian government for the defense manufacturing sector?

The Indian government has set future targets for the defense manufacturing sector, including achieving a turnover of 175,000 crores with 25,000 crores or 5 billion from defense exports, and enhancing the sector's dynamism, robustness, and competitiveness.