The Defence Minister inaugurated the fully automated Medium Caliber Ammunition Manufacturing Facility at the Solar Defence & Aerospace Limited.
- The first tranche of Guided Pinaka rockets to Armenia was also flagged-off.
- Development of Nagastra drones and successful test launch of 'Bhargavastra' Counter Drone System by Solar Group showcase technological capabilities of the private sector.
Rising Defence Indigenisation and Export
- Indigenous defence production: Hit a record ~Rs 1.51 lakh crore, increased from ₹46,425 crore in 2014.
- Role of Private sector: Over Rs 33,000 crore of this contribution comes from the private sector.
- Aim is to increase private sector’s role in defence manufacturing to 50% or more.
- Export: India now exports defence equipment to over 100 countries, including the United States and France.
- Defence exports rose from less than ₹1,000 crore in 2014 to ₹24,000 crore in FY 2024–25.
- Significance:
- Self-reliance and Strategic autonomy: Indigenization reduces dependence on foreign nations, reduces supply chain vulnerabilities and improves Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities.
- Economic Multiplier Effect: Strengthens the domestic defence industry, creates jobs and promotes foreign exchange savings. E.g. integration of 16,000 MSMEs into the defense supply chain.
- Diplomatic Leverage: Indigenization and export promotion position India as a vital component of the defence value chain and as a security provider.
Initiatives taken
|
