India’s Defence Tech Crisis: 3 Powerful Ways to Achieve Self-Reliance

India has been striving to build a strong defence technology base for decades, yet it remains heavily dependent on imports. Despite some progress, the approach to indigenization is often reactive rather than strategic. While concerns about the Indian Air Force’s dwindling fleet are widely discussed, other key defence systems like tanks, artillery, and air defence platforms also face critical readiness issues. A recent report on India’s procurement of T-72 tank engines from Russia highlights this reliance on foreign suppliers, even after operating the platform for over 30 years.

To break this cycle, India must prioritize the development of advanced technologies that serve both military and commercial needs. More than just acquiring technology, the country should aim to become a creator of cutting-edge defence solutions. Achieving this goal requires long-term planning, strong government-private sector collaboration, and sustained investment in research and development. Only then can India establish a truly self-reliant and future-ready defence industry.

India’s Defence Tech Crisis: 3 Powerful Ways to Achieve Self-Reliance

India has been an independent nation for over seven decades, yet building a self-sufficient defence technology ecosystem remains a work in progress. While the country has made strides in developing its defence industry, its strategy for achieving true independence in this sector often feels like a patchwork of quick fixes rather than a well-thought-out, long-term vision. This reactive mindset—addressing gaps only when they become urgent—has left India heavily reliant on foreign suppliers for critical military equipment. From fighter jets to tanks and artillery systems, the armed forces continue to depend on imports, exposing vulnerabilities in national security and economic stability.

The Hidden Gaps in Military Readiness

Media headlines frequently highlight concerns about the Indian Air Force’s shrinking fleet of fighter aircraft. However, this is just one piece of a larger puzzle. Other crucial assets, such as battle tanks, artillery guns, and air defence systems, face similar shortages and technological obsolescence. A recent example underscores this problem: India’s decision to import T-72 tank engines from Russia, despite operating these tanks for over 30 years. The T-72 fleet forms the backbone of the Army’s armored divisions, yet India still lacks the capability to domestically produce engines for these tanks. This dependency isn’t limited to Russia—components and subsystems for various defence platforms are often sourced from multiple countries, creating logistical complexities and supply chain risks.

Such reliance isn’t merely an economic issue; it’s a strategic liability. In times of conflict, foreign suppliers could delay or halt critical shipments, jeopardizing military operations. Moreover, importing technology rarely translates into mastering it. Countries selling equipment often retain control over proprietary knowledge, leaving the buyer stuck in a cycle of perpetual dependence.

From “Make in India” to “Innovate in India”

To break free from this cycle, India must rethink its approach. The focus shouldn’t just be on assembling foreign-designed equipment under the “Make in India” banner. Instead, the goal should be to design, develop, and manufacture cutting-edge technologies within the country. This requires prioritizing innovation over imitation and investing in research and development (R&D) to build homegrown solutions.

One promising avenue is the development of dual-use technologies—innovations that serve both military and civilian purposes. For instance, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and drone technology can strengthen defence capabilities while simultaneously boosting sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and disaster management. By focusing on such areas, India can create a multiplier effect: fostering economic growth while addressing defence needs.

However, achieving this demands a cultural shift in how the government, military, and private sector collaborate. Historically, India’s defence production has been dominated by public-sector companies, with limited participation from private firms and startups. This needs to change. Private companies bring agility, fresh ideas, and expertise in emerging fields like cybersecurity and semiconductors. Encouraging partnerships between defence establishments, academic institutions, and private enterprises could accelerate innovation. For example, setting up dedicated innovation hubs or funding grants for startups working on defence-related projects could unlock new possibilities.

Long-Term Planning and Sustained Investment

Building a robust defence technology base isn’t a quick or cheap endeavor. It requires patient capital, long-term policy stability, and a willingness to tolerate setbacks in R&D. Countries like the United States, China, and Israel dedicate significant resources to defence innovation—often spending 2-3% of their GDP on R&D. India, in comparison, allocates less than 0.7% of its GDP to scientific research, with defence-specific funding being even smaller. Increasing this investment is non-negotiable for achieving self-reliance.

Additionally, streamlining bureaucratic processes is crucial. Lengthy approval cycles, unclear regulations, and risk-averse decision-making have stifled many projects. The recent push to identify and support “strategic technologies” through initiatives like the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) is a step in the right direction, but implementation needs to be faster and more transparent.

The Road Ahead

India’s journey toward defence self-reliance isn’t just about replacing imports with local products. It’s about building a culture of innovation that positions the country as a creator of global defence technologies. This vision demands a clear roadmap: identifying priority technologies, nurturing skilled talent, and fostering public-private synergies.

Success in this mission will yield benefits beyond national security. A thriving defence-tech ecosystem can generate high-quality jobs, attract foreign investment, and elevate India’s stature as a global technology leader. The stakes are high, but so is the potential. By embracing a proactive, ambitious strategy, India can transform its defence sector from a market for foreign suppliers into a powerhouse of indigenous innovation. The time to act is now—before the next crisis forces the nation into another reactive scramble.