India’s defence manufacturing push; import ban on 98 weapons

The defence minister has announced a significant milestone for India’s defence manufacturing industry by banning the import of 98 weapons and systems, bringing the total number of banned major defence items to 509. This move marks a crucial step towards achieving self-sufficiency in defence production.

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In a determined pursuit of self-reliance within the defence manufacturing sector, India has imposed an import ban on 98 weapons and systems. This comprehensive ban encompasses futuristic infantry combat vehicles, shipborne unmanned aerial systems, medium-range precision kill systems, various types of ammunition, radars, sensors, and equipment vital for fighter jets, maritime surveillance planes, warships, helicopters, and tanks.

This move marks the release of India’s fifth positive indigenization list, a testament to the nation’s commitment to bolstering its domestic defence capabilities. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled this list during the Navy’s innovation and indigenization seminar, Swavlamban 2023. The list focuses primarily on import substitution for components of major defence systems, alongside critical platforms, weapon systems, sensors, and munitions. Many of these developments are expected to result in firm orders over the next five to ten years.

The fifth list encompasses an array of items, including articulated all-terrain vehicles, specified remotely piloted airborne vehicles, electric light vehicles, next-generation low-level light radars, automatic chemical agent detection, and alarm systems. It also addresses crucial areas such as armoured fighting vehicle (AFV) protection and counter-measures systems, as well as integrated mobile camouflage.

This import ban extends to AI-based systems for satellite image analysis, very high-frequency radars, electro-optic fire control systems for naval platforms, armour plates for Mi-17 helicopters, automated mobile test systems for OSA-AK missile systems, and flares for P-8I and MiG-29K aircraft.

In its continuous efforts to enhance self-reliance, India has implemented various measures over the last four to five years. These include establishing a separate budget for purchasing locally made military hardware, increasing foreign direct investment from 49% to 74%, and improving the ease of doing business. India aspires to achieve a turnover of ₹1.75 lakh crore in defence manufacturing by 2024-25.