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SOURCE: AFI

As India strives to achieve self-reliance in defense manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, it is time to establish a dedicated Research and Development (R&D) fund for the defense sector. This fund should not only cater to state-run defense organizations like DRDO but also extend support to the private sector, startups, and academia. A well-structured R&D fund can unlock the potential of India’s defense ecosystem, fostering innovation and accelerating the development of cutting-edge military technologies.

India’s defense sector has often lagged in technological innovation due to limited resources and reliance on imports. A dedicated R&D fund would encourage indigenous development of advanced systems like AI, hypersonics, cyber defense, and UAVs.

The private sector, including startups, plays a critical role in driving innovation but often faces financial constraints in pursuing high-risk, high-reward projects. The fund could provide grants, loans, or equity investments to private firms, enabling them to compete on a global scale.

A centralized fund could promote collaboration between government entities, private players, and academic institutions. Joint ventures and partnerships would lead to a more robust and integrated defense ecosystem.

To ensure sustainability, intellectual property rights (IPR) developed through the fund could be owned by a new government department or a dedicated defense R&D authority. This body would license the technologies to various stakeholders, ensuring wide-scale adoption and cost recovery.

With targeted funding, the defense sector can address critical gaps in capabilities, such as advanced propulsion systems, stealth technologies, directed energy weapons, and autonomous platforms.

Countries like the United States (DARPA), Israel, and China have demonstrated the effectiveness of dedicated defense R&D funding in achieving technological superiority. India can adopt best practices from these models while tailoring the fund to its unique needs.

A dedicated R&D fund for the defense sector is no longer a luxury but a necessity. By fostering a culture of innovation, encouraging public-private collaboration, and ensuring strategic investment in critical areas, this initiative can propel India into the league of global defense technology leaders.

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