SOURCE: AFI
India’s quest for self-reliance in defence manufacturing is on the cusp of a major milestone, according to Dr. Sameer V. Kamat, Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Speaking at a recent industry conclave in New Delhi, Dr. Kamat expressed optimism about the nation’s trajectory, stating, “I estimate that in the next 4–5 years, we will achieve around 90% self-reliance in defence production.” This ambitious projection underscores India’s rapid strides in reducing dependence on foreign arms, a shift driven by a mix of policy reforms, private-sector participation, and DRDO-led innovation.
Dr. Kamat’s remarks come at a time when India, one of the world’s largest arms importers, is aggressively pursuing its “Make in India” initiative to bolster indigenous defence capabilities. Over the past decade, the country has transitioned from relying heavily on imports—particularly from Russia, France, and the United States—to developing homegrown systems like the Tejas fighter jet, Arjun tank, and Pinaka rocket launchers. The DRDO chief’s 90% target reflects confidence in ongoing projects, including advanced missile systems, stealth warships, and next-generation drones, many of which are nearing operational deployment.
However, Dr. Kamat tempered his optimism with pragmatism, acknowledging that complete self-sufficiency may not be practical. “While 100% domestic production isn’t economically viable—since we must cater to our own needs and remain relevant globally,” he explained, highlighting the delicate balance between autonomy and international collaboration. India’s defence ecosystem must produce cost-effective solutions for its armed forces while ensuring its technologies remain competitive in the global market—a dual challenge that requires strategic imports of niche components and expertise.
Still, challenges remain. Achieving 90% self-reliance hinges on overcoming bottlenecks in critical areas like aero-engines, semiconductors, and advanced materials, where India still lags behind global leaders. Dr. Kamat’s timeline suggests a ramp-up in efforts to localize these technologies, possibly through joint ventures or technology transfers, as seen in the Indo-Kazakh titanium initiative in Odisha. The DRDO is also banking on increased R&D funding—recent budgets have allocated over Rs 23,000 crore annually—to drive innovation.
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