India’s defence sector has undergone substantial reforms in the last decade under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, aiming to transform India from a major arms importer into a global defence manufacturing hub.

Major Achievements

• Anti-Satellite Capabilityà Through Mission Shakti (2019), India became the world's fourth country with anti-satellite (ASAT) weapon capability.
• MIRV Technologyà Under Mission Divyastra (2024), India successfully tested the Agni-V missile equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology.
• Indigenous Fighter Aircraftà The Tejas Mk1 received Final Operational Clearance in 2019, while 83 Tejas Mk1A aircraft were ordered to replace ageing MiG-21 fighters.
• Operational Deploymentà Indigenous systems such as Akash missiles, BrahMos missiles, and anti-drone technologies have strengthened India's defence preparedness.
• Growing Defence ExportsàIndia has recorded its highest-ever defence exports, reflecting increasing global confidence in indigenous products.

Challenges

• Import Dependenceà India remains the world's second-largest arms importer, accounting for3% of global arms imports (2020–24).
• Supplier Concentrationà Russia continues to account for a significant share of defence imports, creating strategic vulnerabilities.
• Technology Gapsà Dependence persists in critical technologies such as fighter jet engines, advanced sensors, and defence semiconductors.
• Limited R&D Investmentà Defence research funding remains modest relative to future technological requirements.
• Export Competitivenessà India is yet to emerge among the top global arms exporters.

Government Initiatives

• Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 and Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2025 prioritized indigenous procurement.
• Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) has promoted defence innovation through startup participation.
• Corporatization of Ordnance Factory Board (2021) improved efficiency and accountability.
• Positive Indigenisationà Lists prohibit imports of thousands of defence items to encourage domestic manufacturing.
• FDI reforms allow up to 74% through the automatic route and 100% through government approval.
• Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are developing integrated manufacturing ecosystems.

Conclusion

India’s defence sector has made remarkable progress in indigenous capability development. However, sustained investment in research, advanced technologies, and export competitiveness is essential to achieve true strategic autonomy and emerge as a major global defence power.