India Defence – India’s push for self-reliance in defence under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative has led to several significant indigenous projects aimed at reducing import dependency and enhancing domestic capabilities. Below are some notable ongoing and recently approved defence projects, complementing the recently signed Rs 270 crore 6MW Marine Diesel Engine project:
Tejas Mark-1A Fighter Jets
- Description: The procurement of 97 additional Tejas Mark-1A light combat aircraft, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is part of a Rs 1.4 lakh crore initiative to bolster the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) squadron strength, currently at 31 against a desired 42. The Tejas features advanced avionics, including the indigenous Uttam AESA radar.
- Status: Approved by the Defence Acquisitions Council (DAC) in November 2023, with deliveries expected to commence after testing.
- Significance: Enhances IAF’s combat capabilities, reduces reliance on foreign fighters, and supports HAL’s production ecosystem.
Second Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC-2)
- Description: A follow-on to INS Vikrant, the IAC-2 is a 45,000-tonne aircraft carrier to be built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) at an estimated cost of Rs 40,000 crore. It will feature electric propulsion and aims to address the Indian Navy’s operational needs.
- Status: DAC approved the "acceptance of necessity" in November 2023, with tendering underway.
- Significance: Strengthens India’s naval power projection, joins the elite club of nations with indigenous carrier-building capabilities, and supports domestic shipbuilding.
Prachand Light Combat Helicopter (LCH)
- Description: HAL’s Prachand LCH, designed for high-altitude operations, is being procured in a batch of 156 units for the Indian Army and Air Force at a cost of Rs 45,000 crore. Recent enhancements include an indigenous 80mm unguided rocket developed collaboratively by TridenTech Engineering, IIT Madras, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), and others.
- Status: DAC approved in November 2023; limited series production of 15 units began in 2022.
- Significance: Critical for operations in regions like Siachen and eastern Ladakh, reducing dependence on foreign helicopters.
Nag Missile System
- Description: A third-generation, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Nag missile system is designed for the Indian Army.
- Status: A production order was signed in March 2025, paving the way for induction into the Army following successful trials.
- Significance: Enhances the Army’s anti-armour capabilities and supports DRDO’s missile development expertise.
Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM)
- Description: Developed by DRDO in collaboration with VEM Technologies, the MPATGM is a third-generation, fire-and-forget ATGM for infantry use, designed as an indigenous alternative to imported systems.
- Status: Developmental trials were successfully completed in April 2024, and the system is ready for final user evaluation trials.
- Significance: Boosts infantry firepower and reduces reliance on foreign ATGMs.
Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) System for Submarines
- Description: DRDO’s Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL), in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro and Thermax, developed a 270 kW Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell-based AIP system for Kalvari-class submarines. It extends underwater endurance, enhancing stealth capabilities.
- Status: A Rs 1,990 crore deal was signed on December 30, 2024, with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders for AIP plug fabrication.
- Significance: Critical for India’s submarine fleet, reducing dependence on foreign AIP technologies.
Long-Range Air Defence System (Project Kusha)
- Description: Developed by DRDO, Project Kusha aims to deliver an indigenous long-range air defence system capable of detecting and destroying threats up to 350 km, comparable to systems like the S-400.
- Status: Deployment is targeted for 2028–2029, with development ongoing.
- Significance: Strengthens India’s air defence against aircraft, missiles, and drones, reducing reliance on imported systems.
Extra Large Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV)
- Description: A Make-I project for developing an autonomous underwater vehicle for naval applications, with a minimum 50% indigenous content and up to 70% government funding.
- Status: Expression of Interest (EoI) issued on December 24, 2024, with responses due by January 21, 2025.
- Significance: Enhances underwater surveillance and combat capabilities, fostering innovation in autonomous systems.
Indigenous Anti-Drone Systems (C-UAS)
- Description: Three different counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) solutions are being developed to counter drone threats along India’s borders, particularly with Pakistan.
- Status: Trials are underway, with deployment planned within six months from January 2024.
- Significance: Addresses emerging drone threats, enhancing border security with homegrown technology.
BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile
- Description: A joint venture between DRDO and Russia’s NPO, BrahMos is a versatile supersonic cruise missile deployed across the Indian Navy, Army, and Air Force. It has a 50.5% Indian contribution.
- Status: Operational, with ongoing exports to countries like the Philippines and potential sales to others in the Indian Ocean region.
- Significance: A flagship of India’s defence exports, showcasing indigenous missile technology and boosting strategic partnerships.
Broader Context and Impact of Atmanirbharta in Defence
These projects align with India’s Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, which mandates at least 50% indigenous content in procurement and promotes initiatives like Make-I, Make-II, and Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX).
The Ministry of Defence has notified five Positive Indigenisation Lists, covering over 4,666 items, to prioritize domestic production.
The Indian Navy, in particular, has achieved 90%, 60%, and 50% indigenous content in the float, move, and fight categories of its ships, with 63 of 65 ships under construction at Indian shipyards.
These efforts are supported by increased funding for the Technology Development Fund (TDF) (up to Rs 50 crore per project) and iDEX, fostering innovation among MSMEs and startups.
The establishment of defence industrial corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, with investments of Rs 37,219 crore, further strengthens the ecosystem.
Collectively, these projects save foreign exchange, create jobs (a 20–25% reduction in imports could generate 100,000–120,000 skilled jobs), and position India as a growing defence manufacturing hub.
By 2025, India aims for a defence manufacturing turnover of USD 25 billion, with exports to over 75 countries, driven by advanced technologies like AI and missile systems.
These projects not only enhance national security but also elevate India’s global strategic standing.