Latest news with #InnovationsforDefenceExcellence
NDTV
27-05-2025
- Business
- NDTV
Akash System, AI Drones, And Why India Can't 'Outsource' Security
Strategic autonomy remains an illusion in the absence of technological sovereignty. A nation that lacks the capacity to manufacture its own armaments finds itself vulnerable to the whims of key defence exporting countries. Its military strategies are contingent upon supply chains beyond its influence, and its ability to deter adversaries is compromised by reliance on others. Theoretical frameworks derived from realist international relations, especially structural realism, indicate that in an anarchic world system, the primary imperative for the state is survival. Survival is an endeavour that cannot be delegated to others. When the integrity of national security relies on external validation, even the most formidable diplomatic efforts become ineffective against embargoes, export restrictions, or the unpredictable nature of geopolitical dynamics. Learning From The Past History presents stark reminders. In 1965, India's military endeavours were significantly hindered by a US arms embargo. In 1991, amidst the Gulf War, Saudi Arabia, despite possessing an abundance of Western armaments, depended wholly on the United States for the protection of its oil fields. In stark contrast, Israel has not only endured but flourished, and through strategic alliances and a steadfast commitment has developed its own capabilities. Therefore, countries that delegate their defence industrial capabilities relinquish control over their strategic destiny. Atmanirbharta, or self-reliance, in defence transcends mere rhetoric. This strategic realisation is beginning to pay dividends for India. Despite still being the world's second-largest arms importer, accounting for 8.3% of global imports, just behind Ukraine's 8.4% according to SIPRI, India has shifted course since 2014. The focus has moved beyond mere procurement towards co-development, co-production, and indigenous innovation. The aim is no longer just to acquire weapons but to build the capacity to design and produce them domestically. Initiatives such as the Defence Industrial Corridors in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh, the corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board, and the launch of Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) signal a structural push towards developing in-house defence R&D. Successes like the Tejas fighter jet, the DRDO-developed anti-satellite missile (ASAT), and the Agni-V intercontinental ballistic missile are no longer isolated achievements, they reflect the emergence of a broader, self-sustaining military-industrial ecosystem. Simultaneously, technology transfer agreements and licensed production under the Strategic Partnership Model are enabling Indian firms to move up the value chain. India is no longer content being a passive buyer, it is steadily becoming a sovereign producer. Atmanirbharta in defence is not a distant goal. It is fast becoming the country's strategic posture. All That Was Used In Op Sindoor Operation Sindoor has given us the clearest evidence of how far India has come as far as innovation in defence tech is concerned. The mission, launched in retaliation to the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, was conducted entirely without crossing the Line of Control, relying on high-precision, domestically engineered strike and surveillance systems. Among the most crucial was the Akash Surface-to-Air Missile System, which provided short-range protection against incoming aerial threats. Backed by the Akashteer Air Defence Control and Reporting System, Indian forces intercepted all hostile drones and missiles with 100% success, demonstrating real-time net-centric warfare capabilities powered by domestic radar, telemetry, and sensor integration. The Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) served as the backbone of coordination, linking airbases, radar units, and weapon platforms across the services under a single digital command structure. For offensive capabilities, SkyStriker loitering munitions, manufactured domestically under technology transfer from Israel's Elbit Systems, enabled deep penetration and destruction of enemy radar and missile installations. These AI-enabled kamikaze drones hovered over target zones, identified high-value assets, and struck with zero collateral damage. The Indian Air Force also deployed long-range drones for real-time ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance), while DRDO-developed electronic warfare systems successfully jammed Pakistan's Chinese-supplied radar and missile infrastructure, completing the mission in under 23 minutes, without any loss of Indian assets. Ground forces remained on high alert using a layered defensive posture comprising legacy systems like Pechora and OSA-AK, and new-generation assets like Akash-NG and LLQRM (Low-Level Quick Reaction Missiles). The Indian Army's Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) grid and shoulder-fired missiles formed the first layer of protection, reinforced by low-level air defence (LLAD) guns and electro-optical tracking systems. Notably, India's indigenous satellite assets, including those from ISRO, provided 24x7 strategic situational awareness. More than 10 satellites were operational in monitoring India's 7,000-km coastline and the northern theatre during the mission, highlighting the seamless integration of space-based sensors into real-time tactical decision-making. The operation also exposed and neutralised advanced foreign-origin platforms deployed by Pakistan, including PL-15 air-to-air missiles, Turkish-origin UAVs, and Chinese-made quadcopters, all of which were rendered ineffective by India's domestic air defence ecosystem. A Decade Of Work Behind the success of Operation Sindoor lies a decade of focused investment in building indigenous capacity. The iDEX platform, Strategic Partnership Model, Defence Industrial Corridors in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh, and the ban on imported drones in 2021 catalysed the rise of Indian firms in the UAV and defence electronics space. Firms like Alpha Design Technologies, Paras Defence, and Tata Advanced Systems are now core contributors to India's tactical autonomy. India's drone market, projected to reach $11 billion by 2030, is rapidly emerging as a key pillar of national security. Let The Momentum Remain To consolidate Operation Sindoor's gains and realise full-spectrum strategic autonomy, India must urgently address key gaps across its defence ecosystem. The most pressing is the development of indigenous jet engines. Despite progress in airframe design, India remains reliant on foreign propulsion systems, which is a critical vulnerability. We still rely on GE engines for Tejas, and deliveries are behind schedule. Reviving the Kaveri engine programme, backed by a National Aero-Engine Mission with global partnerships and IP retention, is imperative. Equally important is scaling the indigenous drone ecosystem. India must accelerate the development of HALE/MALE drones, autonomous loitering munitions, and AI-powered drone swarms. The CATS Warrior and TAPAS-BH platforms must be supported with robust R&D funding, domestic payload production, and regulatory clarity. In parallel, India must localise avionics, AESA radars, mission computers, and electronic warfare (EW) suites. Modern warfare is increasingly software-defined, and foreign dependence for these components creates the risk of supply chain disruption or strategic denial. DRDO's Uttam radar and integrated EW systems must be expanded across all military platforms. On the missile front, India must invest in hypersonic glide vehicles, scramjet propulsion, and advanced seekers. While systems like Agni-V and BrahMos have established deterrence, the next phase requires indigenising guidance, propulsion, and warhead technologies to reduce exposure to sanctions. Don't Forget Navy Naval self-reliance is equally essential. India must develop indigenous nuclear propulsion, air-independent systems for submarines, and sonar suites for warships. The strategic shipbuilding base, strengthened by projects like INS Vikrant, needs technological depth and private-sector integration to meet future maritime threats. Space-based defence infrastructure must be hardened and expanded, especially satellite surveillance, communication, and navigation systems. ISRO's constellation of military satellites proved effective in Operation Sindoor, but micro-satellite swarms, missile early-warning sensors, and secure relay networks are the next frontier. India must also invest in cyber and AI warfare. A dedicated Defence Cyber Command is needed to build offensive and defensive capabilities, alongside AI tools for battlefield management, autonomous weapons, and predictive logistics. Finally, defence-grade electronics, semiconductors, embedded systems, and secure microcontrollers must be domestically produced. India's semiconductor mission must explicitly include military applications to secure its electronic backbone. The next decade will determine whether India merely reduces dependence or truly rewires its defence ecosystem for self-sufficiency. The challenge now is not one of intent but of scale, speed, and strategic discipline. As defence technology becomes increasingly complex, interdisciplinary, and software-defined, India must foster deep integration between research labs, private industry, and operational commands. This will require not just funding or policy reform, but a cultural shift, one that values iterative innovation, tolerates risk, and treats defence R&D as a national strategic asset rather than a budget line.
New Indian Express
27-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Centre-state synergy should boost startup ecosystem
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It was quite an exciting and eye-opening experience to be part of a group of defence vloggers who were discussing a remotely piloted aerial vehicle (RPAV) developed recently by a fledgling startup that won the Centre's iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) challenge. As operational pictures emerged, a Malayali vlogger remarked, 'Imagine this launcher on a small patrol boat. With proper training and situational awareness, the Navy can wreak havoc with this. Good stuff from the startup — hope they succeed.' Such innovation reflects the growing momentum among young minds aiming to break into defence technology, particularly following Operation Sindoor. Here, Kerala's strategic relevance is underscored by its status as home to the national space agency and as a rising hub for startups. 'Most startups are now in the space sector, although defence has been getting attention in the last few years. The products are finishing only now after incubation,' said Varun G, technical officer at Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), which reportedly has tie-ups with about 60 defence-based startups. Experts point out that proficiency in space technology translates effectively into defence capabilities. Prateesh V Nair, CEO of space startup Tachlog, explains: 'Whatever you do in space, the same can be done in defence with not as much complexity. We are a space startup but are now aggressively pushing into defence as well.' Prateesh sees this sector only growing. The key word is indigenisation. 'What we witnessed recently was a direct result of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative,' he said. 'For example, we used our own NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) system instead of relying on the US-based GPS for surveillance. Kerala has potential — but it must be requirement-driven. Defence prefers end-to-end products, not just specific parts or projects, which makes funding more challenging. Now, with IDEX stepping in, opportunities will only grow.' Prateesh also highlights the risks of collaborative efforts like the Indo-Russian BrahMos missile. Such partnerships involve tech transfers, but with deterrents in place to prevent use against the partner nation in future conflicts. 'Every country does this. If we devise systems ourselves, we are in full control,' he said.
New Indian Express
11-05-2025
- Science
- New Indian Express
Use Op Sindoor to speed up R&D in drone tech: Experts
BENGALURU: As drones are being used extensively in Operation Sindoor, experts point out that this war-like situation should be used to learn and scale up the pace of R&D in counter-drone technologies, and indigenous development of micro-controls and lethal technologies. While most of the drones being used in Op Sindoor were made in Bengaluru, Pune and Gurugram-Noida circuit, microchips, microprocessors and micro controllers are being imported, including from Taiwan. A DRDO official, seeking anonymity, said the work on improving drones and other technological interventions is being taken up by the organisation in partnership with private firms and experts. Prof Abhishekh, Department of Aerospace, IIT-Kanpur, said that a lot of research has been done in the drone sector since 2018 and now, the work on counter-drone technologies is being strengthened. These include early detection, radio frequency jamming and laser technology to neutralise drones. Experts said this should be done faster as the drone industry is growing at a rapid pace, especially over the last five years. They pointed out that drones are a Rs 1,500 crore market, much lesser than what it could have been by 2025. The country has over a 1,000 registered drone companies, but only 10-15 have partnered with government agencies and are seriously working on design and development. Experts pointed out that work is also being done in improving beyond-the-line-of-sight technology in drones, and India is lagging behind other countries. The defence sector should use the IDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) platform to place orders with startups to strengthen drone manufacturing and come up with innovative ideas, they added. Chief Research Scientist, Department of Aerospace Engineering, IISc, SB Omkar, said there is a lot of potential for growth in the drone industry but technological advances come with a cost, which the government should now support. Omkar, who is also chairperson for drone standardisation in India, said that volumes can be attained with economics and spreading drone usage across the country. Yusuf Unjhawala, Adjunct Scholar, Takshila University, Bengaluru, said that the use of drones in warfare heightened after the Ukraine war. Now, work needs to be done based on imagination and anticipating demand. Technological advances are being worked out to make drones more lethal, compact, cheaper, long-ranging, faster and with more sensors. The lineage is more towards AI operations, he added.
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First Post
29-04-2025
- Business
- First Post
Becoming a defence powerhouse: India's 2030 goal goes beyond national security
India's defence transformation is as much about national security as it is about economic and technological self-sufficiency read more At a recent dialogue session in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh voiced strong optimism about India's rising stature in global defence exports. Addressing the 'Marathwada – Atmanirbhar Bharat Ki Raksha Bhoomi' event, organised by the Chamber of Marathwada Industries and Agriculture (CMIA), he announced that India aims to achieve defence exports worth ₹50,000 crore by 2030. Highlighting the scale of ambition, Rajnath Singh noted that India's defence production is set to surpass ₹1.60 lakh crore this year, with a goal of touching ₹3 lakh crore by 2029. This policy shift aligns with the broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), seeking to reduce dependence on foreign imports, bolster domestic industrial capabilities, and project India as a responsible and capable defence exporter. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Speaking separately at The Week's 'Defence Conclave 2025 – Force of the Future', he emphasised that India's emergence as a developed power will 'go hand in hand with becoming a global military leader'. He reiterated the production target and underscored that India's defence manufacturing is not only about strategic autonomy and national security but also a shield against external supply disruptions. It reflects a strategic pivot towards self-sufficiency and a robust industrial defence ecosystem that serves not just domestic needs but also tremendously boosts export potential. This is especially important given the current geopolitical situation and its implications on the global supply chain. In the recent decades, India has recalibrated its defence policy to bolster domestic manufacturing ecosystems. This transformation is seen in the exponential growth of defence exports, from ₹686 crore in 2013-14 to over ₹21,000 crore in 2023-24, and from the aim of doubling this figure by 2030. There is also an immense emphasis on self-reliance. This is highlighted in the procurement decisions taken by the government. Approximately 75 per cent of India's defence modernisation budget is now allocated for domestic acquisition. This is not only a fiscal strategy but also a deliberate policy signal to foster industrial innovation, specifically through collaborations between the public sector, private defence manufacturers, and emerging defence-tech start-ups. This has enabled the production of a broad spectrum of indigenous systems in India, including fighter aircraft, naval vessels, advanced missiles, and unmanned platforms. The most notable example is of the various defence start-ups supported by the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) framework, which are excelling in areas like artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, robotics, and next-generation communication systems. Progress So Far India is undergoing a dramatic transformation in its defence landscape, evolving from a major importer to an emerging manufacturing powerhouse. 2024 was a crucial year for India's defence sector, as exports hit a record ₹21,083 crore, reflecting a 32.5 per cent rise from the previous year and a 31-fold surge since 2013-14. However, this milestone is being facilitated by a mix of institutional reforms and strategic diplomacy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This month, India and Slovakia signed a landmark MoU aimed at advancing domestic defence manufacturing. The deal, signed during President Draupadi Murmu's visit, enables JCBL Group's Airbornics Defence and Space Private Limited to co-develop next-gen combat vehicle technologies with Slovakia. Additionally, India is also poised to ink its largest-ever defence deal with France, worth over ₹63,000 crore, for 26 Rafale Marine aircraft for the Indian Navy. This deal includes single- and twin-seater jets, fleet support, training modules, and indigenous components, enhancing air operations aboard INS Vikrant and supplementing the MiG-29K fleet. Moreover, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh's recent visits to the UK and Italy also led to significant dialogues and agreements. The 24th India-UK Defence Consultative Group meeting reaffirmed joint efforts in maritime cooperation, innovation, and industrial collaboration between the UK and India. India also invited UK firms to invest in the former's defence corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. In Italy, the 11th India-Italy Joint Defence Committee meeting explored maritime cooperation and information-sharing, with special focus on the Red Sea and Western Indian Ocean. An MoU between the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and Italy's AIAD was signed, opening new doors for industrial collaboration. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Furthermore, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Saudi Arabia further reflects India's intent to expand its defence footprint. As per the news, talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman are expected to include defence cooperation, military exercises, and procurement frameworks, highlighting India's proactive engagement with the Middle East. Road Ahead India's defence strategy is constantly being shaped not only by domestic imperatives but also by changing power dynamics. Tensions in the Indo-Pacific and beyond have led to India positioning itself as a credible net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region. Furthermore, India's long-standing defence cooperation with countries such as the US, Russia and France has created a robust framework for military interoperability, defence trade and industrial co-production. These partnerships, if utilised correctly, have the potential to reposition India as a preferred alternative to China in global defence supply chains. India's defence transformation is as much about national security as it is about economic and technological self-sufficiency. Furthermore, India's defence ascent didn't happen overnight, and huge scopes for improvement still remain. At The Week Defence Conclave, DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat stressed the urgent need for India to increase research and development spending. He pointed out that while China invests 2.6 per cent of its overall GDP in R&D, India lags behind, allocating only 5 per cent of its defence budget. Encouragingly, the government's decision to raise this share to 10 per cent of the defence budget over the next five years is seen as a necessary and forward-looking step. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In this context and on a positive note, India has announced plans to raise R&D spending to 10 per cent of the defence budget over the next five years, a significant decision as India aims to become not just a manufacturer but a vital innovator in defence technology. 2025 can be another pivotal year for India's defence sector. With initiatives such as the formation of Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs), India's defence journey can be seen as much more than just weapon modernisation, it's about self-reliance, strategic partnerships, indigenous innovation, and a long-term commitment to secure and empower the nation in an increasingly unstable world. As India strides towards its 2030 export target, the success of this vision hinges upon factors such as political will, sustained R&D investments, integration of the private sector and start-ups, and a robust defence export strategy anchored on successful diplomatic outreach. If executed properly, India is well-positioned to become one of the top global players in the defence sector, redefining its role from consumer to exporter and one day, to creator of strategic security solutions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The author is a researcher at the East Asia Centre, MP-IDSA, New Delhi, India. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.
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Business Standard
22-04-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Vayudh raises $10 million in funding round led by Dharana Capital
Homegrown defence technology company Vayudh on Tuesday said it has raised $10 million in a funding round led by Dharana Capital. The round also saw participation from Deepinder Goyal, founder and chief executive officer of Zomato (now Eternal); Ajay Aggarwal (Action TESA); Sumit Jalan; LetsVenture; and Navam Capital. The company had earlier raised funds from Florintree Advisors. The funds will be used to deepen the company's research and development (R&D) capabilities, expand manufacturing infrastructure, and accelerate deployments with India's defence forces. Vayudh, the defence vertical of BotLab Dynamics Private Limited, is a startup from IIT Delhi, building indigenous drone platforms for real-time battlefield intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. ALSO READ: Founded in 2016 by Tanmay Bunkar, Anuj Barnwal and Sarita Ahlawat, Vayudh has developed expertise in swarm drone technology, with over 300,000 autonomous flying hours in defence and other commercial applications like drone shows and industrial surveying. The company recently launched Atri, India's first nano drone for precision surveillance and reconnaissance operations. In 2023, Vayudh was awarded the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) grant to develop India's smallest surveillance drone. Commenting on the announcement, Tanmay Bunkar, chief executive officer of Vayudh, said, 'This funding marks a pivotal step in our journey to develop indigenous, cutting-edge defence drone technology of global standards. We remain focused on deepening our R&D pipeline and scaling manufacturing to meet growing demand from India's defence sector.' Vamsi Duvvuri, founder and managing partner of Dharana Capital, said, 'India's rising defence spend and push for indigenisation have opened a rare window to build world-class defence tech locally. The Vayudh team brings exceptional technical depth in drone technology — their swarming tech is field-tested, mission-ready and built in India. We are excited to be part of their growth journey.'
