Amit's Blog

  DRDO Technology Transfers: Strengthening India’s Defence Ecosystem  On June 7, 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), via its Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (VRDE), transferred technologies for nine defence systems to ten Indian companies, advancing the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. These systems, including the CBRN Recce Vehicle, Mounted Gun System, and Anti-Terrorist Vehicle, address modern battlefield and security needs. Companies like Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bharat Forge, and Tata Advanced Systems are set to manufacture these, with demand projected at 2,300–4,800 units and USD 2.15–4.25 billion in value by 2030. While some technologies, like the Mounted Gun System, are cutting-edge, others are conventional but tailored for India’s needs. Compared to global best-in-class systems, they are cost-effective but may lag in automation. Investments by companies are estimated at USD 710–1,250 million, driven by military mod...

India’s Urgent Need for Defense Self-Reliance: Insights from Rafale and Global Examples   India’s Rafale acquisition highlights the high costs and dependency on foreign suppliers, who retain source codes to ensure recurring revenues. Examples like F-16 and S-400 underscore these challenges. Indigenization offers strategic autonomy, cost savings, and economic growth, as seen in China’s defense model. India must increase R&D, streamline procurement, and foster partnerships to build a self-reliant defense ecosystem, securing sovereignty and global influence.   India’s acquisition of 36 Rafale fighter jets in 2016, followed by 26 Rafale-M for the Indian Navy, has significantly enhanced its defense capabilities. However, the high costs, reliance on foreign suppliers, and challenges in integrating indigenous systems underscore the critical need for India to prioritize defense indigenization. This note explores the strategic, economic, and operational imperatives for self...