Experts Explain | Make in India in defence sector: Challenges, bottlenecks, and the way forward

2026-05-18 · 2 min

UPSC CSE Context Why in News: Defence Minister highlighted India's technological advancements in warfare at North Tech Symposium. Syllabus Connection: Security: Defence manufacturing, indigenisation, and technology in warfare. Exam Relevance: Relevant for questions on defence indigenisation, Make in India, and security challenges. Core Issue India's defence manufacturing faces bottlenecks despite push for self reliance. Key Development: India's defence acquisition process suffers from delays and over centralisation. Stakeholders: Ministry of Defence Indian Armed Forces Private defence manufacturers DRDO Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers Static Knowledge High Value Background: India is among top ten arms importers globally, with dependence on Russia, US, Israel. China achieved indigenous defence production from 1961 onwards, surpassing India. Defence acquisition process involves Quantitative Requirements QRs and multiple approval layers. Concepts in Context: Quantitative Requireme

## UPSC CSE Context **Why in News:** Defence Minister highlighted India's technological advancements in warfare at North Tech Symposium. **Syllabus Connection:** Security: Defence manufacturing, indigenisation, and technology in warfare. **Exam Relevance:** Relevant for questions on defence indigenisation, Make in India, and security challenges. ## Core Issue India's defence manufacturing faces bottlenecks despite push for self-reliance. **Key Development:** India's defence acquisition process suffers from delays and over-centralisation. **Stakeholders:** - Ministry of Defence - Indian Armed Forces - Private defence manufacturers - DRDO - Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers ## Static Knowledge **High-Value Background:** - India is among top ten arms importers globally, with dependence on Russia, US, Israel. - China achieved indigenous defence production from 1961 onwards, surpassing India. - Defence acquisition process involves Quantitative Requirements (QRs) and multiple approval layers. **Concepts in Context:** - Quantitative Requirements (QRs): Technical specifications for defence procurement. - Run-of-river projects: Not directly relevant; avoid. ## Dynamic Analysis ### Governance and Policy - Over-centralised procurement leads to delays; 119 of 178 projects missed deadlines. - Ambiguous QRs cause prolonged decision-making and cost overruns. - Inadequate talent in government institutions due to low compensation hampers innovation. ### Security and Technology - Dependence on imports risks supply-chain disruptions during conflicts. - Recent wars show need for cost-effective technologies like drones and missiles. - India struggles with manufacturing jet engines and sophisticated drones. ### Economic and Industrial - Private sector role limited; need to boost indigenous manufacturing ecosystem. - Budgetary constraints and technological gaps perpetuate import reliance. - China's success from indigenous efforts offers a contrasting model. ## Mains Value Addition **Arguments:** - Self-reliance in defence is critical for strategic autonomy and supply-chain security. - Over-centralisation and bureaucratic layers cause significant delays in procurement. - Competitive compensation is needed to attract top talent in defence R&D. - Lessons from Ukraine and West Asia highlight importance of scalable, cost-effective technologies. **Data Points:** - 119 of 178 defence projects missed original timelines (2022-23 Parliamentary Committee). - Delays ranged from 16% to 500% beyond agreed deadlines. **Counterpoints:** - Indigenisation may compromise quality if rushed without adequate R&D. - Private sector participation raises concerns about confidentiality and profit motives. ## Way Forward - Streamline procurement by reducing approval layers and clarifying QRs. - Enhance compensation for government scientists to retain talent. - Focus on developing critical technologies like jet engines and drones.

Source: News