Atmanirbharta in India’s Defense Innovation Journey

By: Muskan Agrawal

Indian defense buildup symbolizes its shift towards atmanirbharta and regional force projection, especially in the Indo-Pacific. India is accelerating local production of modern combat and fighter planes, along with nuclear-powered submarines to meet delays in acquiring them from abroad.

Atmanirbharta in defense manufacturing focuses on building a self-reliant India that can contribute to a more resilient and stable global economy while promoting peace. By developing its capacity to supply defense equipment to friendly countries, India aims to strengthen its strategic partnerships and reinforce its position as a "net security provider" in the Indian Ocean region. This commitment is concretely demonstrated by increased investments in domestic defense procurements for both the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Navy.  

Before the recent advancements towards atmanirbharta in defense, India’s ability to meet its military needs was largely confined to providing limited support through basic equipment and some artillery. These needs were predominantly met by public sector enterprises, with minimal involvement from the private sector. However, over time, as the government has moved towards opening the sector to both domestic private companies and foreign collaborations, new opportunities for indigenizing defense equipment—ranging from artillery to fighter aircraft—have emerged. Key projects that are central to reducing India’s dependence on foreign countries for its military requirements include the INS Arihant, K9 Vajra-T, and Project 75, among others. 

The maritime component of nuclear deterrence offers the most reliable second-strike capability. As part of this broader strategy, India is set to commission its second Submersible-Ship Nuclear Ballistic Missile (SSBM), INS Arighat. This follows the successful deployment of the first SSBM, INS Arihant, which already patrolls the depths of the Indo-Pacific, underscoring India's growing underwater deterrence capabilities. Additionally, the third SSBM, INS Aridaman, is on track to be commissioned early next year, further reinforcing India's nuclear triad (air, land, and sea)– a cornerstone of its defense strategy. This advancement is set to not only bolster India’s security by enhancing its strategic deterrence but also strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities through increased technological expertise and production capacity.

India’s pursuit of Atmanirbhar Bharat is also evident particularly in the production of Tejas LCA Mk-1A jets and the development of a robust SSBN fleet. This shift not only aims to strengthen India’s military capabilities but also to assert its strategic autonomy on the global stage. The Ministry of Defence initiated a significant tender process with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), seeking to procure 97 more domestically produced LCA Mk-1A fighter jets. Valued at an estimated Rs 65,000 crore, this deal is set to become the largest government order for indigenous military equipment in India's history. HAL is given only a three-month window to respond to the tender, underscoring the urgency and scale of this initiative.

This development follows closely on the heels of the first serial production flight of the Tejas Mk-1A jet in Bengaluru, which successfully remained airborne for over 18 minutes. The delivery of this aircraft to the IAF is anticipated within the next three to four months. Notably, HAL is already fulfilling a contract from 2021 to supply 83 Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets, now totalling to a total of 180 in the LCA Mk-1A fleet, to the IAF, a deal valued at Rs 48,000 crore. This new order further cements the government's commitment to bolstering indigenous defense capabilities through strategic partnerships with domestic industry leaders. 

The emphasis on developing indigenous technologies and platforms is increasingly evident in India’s recent defense initiatives. This focus includes the expansion of production capabilities for critical assets such as stealth technologies, advanced missile systems, and unmanned aerial vehicles. By enhancing these sophisticated systems, India aims to bolster its defense capabilities and maintain a strategic edge. Furthermore, the alignment of India’s defense policy with its broader geopolitical objectives is particularly notable in its efforts to assert influence in the Indo-Pacific region. The integration of these elements not only supports India’s national security but also contributes to a more balanced and secure regional order, reflecting a vision that links domestic advancements with international influence.