Recently, in an address at a conclave organized by the All India Management Association, Army chief General Manoj Pande emphasized the critical importance of self-reliance in Bharat’s defense sector for ensuring national security.
He highlighted that relying on other countries for crucial defense technologies puts Bharat at risk of lagging behind in technological advancements. The disruptions in supply chains during the COVID-19 pandemic and lessons from ongoing conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine crisis have underscored the need for self-sufficiency in defense capabilities.
General Pande stressed the significance of developing ‘hard power’ capabilities through self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
While economic growth is vital for the nation’s development, military strength is essential for protecting and advancing its interests, he stated. Recent geopolitical events have further emphasized the relevance of maintaining strong military capabilities.
Analysing four key drivers for the army’s transformation efforts, General Pande outlined the vision to modernize into a technologically advanced, agile, and self-reliant force capable of deterring and winning wars across various domains. This transformation aligns with the broader goal of safeguarding national interests in synergy with other branches of the armed forces.
The government has taken several steps to promote indigenization in the defense sector, including simplifying industrial licensing, encouraging private sector participation, and liberalizing foreign investment.
General Pande mentioned that currently, there are 340 indigenous defense industries working towards fulfilling 230 contracts by 2025, with a significant budget allocated for domestic capital procurement.
Moreover, to further enhance self-reliance, the army plans to establish specialized Army Design Bureau (ADB) cells at various command headquarters. These cells will focus on absorbing niche technologies for capability development and facilitating collaboration between the army and the private sector.
The move aims to empower commanders at different levels in pursuing self-reliance initiatives and fostering closer ties with the industry.
The Army Design Bureau, initiated under the Narendra Modi government in 2016, serves as a platform for promoting research and development and facilitating technology transfer to meet the army’s requirements.
The expansion of ADB cells at command headquarters is expected to strengthen the army’s self-reliance drive, enabling greater engagement with the industry and the adoption of advanced technologies for future capabilities.
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