India strengthens technological advancements in defence sector
The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has amplified the need for countries like India to enhance its self-reliance in the defence sector. Reportedly, India is the largest importer of arms (11% of the total global imports), having significant dependency on countries like Russia, France and the US in the defence sector.
In view of this comprehension, experts have raised the need for India to strengthen its defence technology and indigenise the sector.
Enhance equipment
With the aim of boosting its defence capabilities, India has announced domestic production of several military equipment that the country was importing previously. From high-end sensors such as Guidance Radar (MFSTAR) and Multi-Function Surveillance to unmanned underwater vehicles and platforms including Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAVs and Naval Utility Helicopters (NUH), India is extensively updating its military engineering infrastructure within the country.
Leveraging IT expertise
Furthermore, industry experts have underlined that IT and engineering services companies are leveraging their expertise to the Indian government to boost the local defence ecosystem. In the last two years, the DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) has collaborated with a several Indian companies to facilitate Transfer of Technology (ToT) and empower the Indian defence sector. Technology has the potential to expand India’s Aerospace and Defence sector to an estimate $70 billion by the year 2030.
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Notable partnerships
Recently, India and the United States agreed on expanding their partnership on air-launched unmanned aerial vehicles through the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative. Earlier this year, India signed its first crucial defence system export deal worth $375 million with the Philippines to export the 290 km range supersonic BrahMos missile system. The shore-based anti-ship missile system has been developed in India in partnership with Russia.
Hybrid warfare
Analysts have also stated that focus has been increased on hybrid warfares, including cyber technology, big data analytics and artificial intelligence. With the world gradually adopting the 5G technology for general communications, it can foster a digital revolution in the defence sector, with real-time cyber attack detection and response and 5G drones and AI among other applications. In terms of defence commutations as well, 5G provides a productive alternative to strengthen networking within the Indian Defence Forces.
