{"id":87461,"date":"2026-10-27T18:18:38","date_gmt":"2026-10-27T12:48:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/?p=87461"},"modified":"2026-10-27T18:19:17","modified_gmt":"2026-10-27T12:49:17","slug":"aatmanirbharta-2-defence-sector","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/current-affairs\/27-10-2026\/aatmanirbharta-2-defence-sector","title":{"rendered":"Defence Minister Called for \u2018Aatmanirbharta 2.0\u2019 in the Defence Sector"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS3\/Defence<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Defence Minister has called for<strong> \u2018Aatmanirbharta 2.0\u2019 in the defence sector, <\/strong>with a focus on developing advanced technologies, strengthening research and development (R&amp;D) and building resilient domestic supply chains.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Overview of India\u2019s Defence Sector<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>India\u2019s annual defence production<\/strong> has surged to an<strong> all-time high of Rs 1.78 lakh crore in the Financial Year (FY) 2025-26. <\/strong>The milestone represents a <strong>15.6% growth over the previous fiscal year.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sectoral Contribution:<\/strong> Defence Public Sector Undertakings and other PSUs accounted for approximately<strong> 76%<\/strong> of total production, while the <strong>private sector contributed 24%.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Defence Budget Growth:<\/strong>The defence budget rose from \u20b92.53 lakh crore in 2013\u201314 to \u20b97.85 lakh crore in 2026\u201327.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-dominant-color=\"bed5e8\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #bed5e8;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"283\" height=\"241\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-184.png\" alt=\"defence sector\" class=\"not-transparent wp-image-87462\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>India is <strong>exporting defence equipment to more than 80 countries<\/strong> as of FY 2025-26.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Defence R&amp;D allocation <\/strong>rose from \u20b913,716.14 crore in 2014\u201315 to \u20b929,100.25 crore in 2026\u201327, an increase of over <strong>112%.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Surge in Indigenous Defence Production: <\/strong>65% of defence equipment is now manufactured domestically, a significant shift from the earlier 65-70% import dependency.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>India targets<strong> \u20b93 lakh crore<\/strong> in defence production by <strong>2029<\/strong>, reinforcing its position as a global defence manufacturing hub.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Achievement in India\u2019s Defence Self-Reliance: FY 2025\u201326<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Self- sufficiency: <\/strong>The Indian Army achieved roughly <strong>91% self-sufficiency<\/strong> by indigenising <strong>159 out of 175 ammunition variants in its inventory.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Missiles: <\/strong>India has successfully tested the <strong>Agni-4 Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile and Agni-5 Long Range Surface-to-Surface Ballistic Missile<\/strong>.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The TARA Glide Weapon and RudraM-II air-to-surface missile<\/strong> have also demonstrated indigenous precision-strike capabilities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Air-Defence Systems: <\/strong>The DRDO has advanced multiple indigenous systems, including the <strong>Kusha Long Range Air Defence Missile and Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS).\u00a0<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>An integrated air-defence system<\/strong> combining missile interceptors, short-range weapons and laser technologies has also been successfully tested.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Warships and Submarines: <\/strong>The Indian Navy commissioned<strong> 12 warships and submarines,<\/strong> including INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>INS Mahendragiri, stealth frigate, also entered service with over 75% indigenous content.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Maritime Surveillance: <\/strong>SHACHI, the first of 11 Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels, launched. INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak and INS Agray also commissioned, completing the indigenous Sandhayak-class survey fleet, expanding maritime surveillance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Need for Defence Indigenisation Reforms<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Strategic Autonomy &amp; National Security: <\/strong>It reduces dependence on foreign suppliers, especially during crises and geopolitical tensions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Addressing Capability Gaps: <\/strong>India faces complex security challenges across borders and in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Modernisation is required to replace ageing platforms in the Army, Navy, and Air Force.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reducing Import Bill &amp; Promoting Economic Efficiency: <\/strong>India is among the world\u2019s largest arms importers, indigenous production lowers costs in the long run, reduces foreign exchange outflow, and strengthens the domestic defence economy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Boosting Domestic Defence Industrial Base: <\/strong>Indigenisation stimulates innovation and growth of Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), MSMEs, and private industry.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Faster Procurement &amp; Operational Readiness: <\/strong>Domestic manufacturing shortens procurement cycles and ensures timely delivery.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Improved Customisation &amp; Adaptability: <\/strong>Indigenous platforms can be tailored to Indian terrain (Himalayan high-altitudes, deserts, maritime zones) which allows continuous upgrades to meet evolving threat environments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Technology Sovereignty: <\/strong>Developing indigenous technologies ensures freedom in design, production, and future upgrades. It also prevents vulnerability due to sanctions, supply chain disruptions, or technology denials.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What are the Challenges?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>India continues to <strong>depend on imports<\/strong> for several <strong>advanced defence technologies <\/strong>and critical components.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Research and development expenditure<\/strong> in the defence sector remains comparatively limited.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Technological gaps<\/strong> exist in areas such as jet engines, semiconductors, cyber warfare, and advanced sensors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Private sector participation<\/strong> still faces regulatory and procurement-related challenges.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Achieving global competitiveness in defence exports requires<strong> sustained investment and quality assurance mechanisms.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Defence Acquisition &amp; Indigenisation Reforms<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2016<\/strong> streamlined defence acquisitions while advancing Make in India. It laid the foundation for subsequent reforms in defence procurement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020<\/strong> strengthened indigenous procurement and domestic manufacturing. It also expanded opportunities for Indian companies in defence design, development and production.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>DAP 2026<\/strong> proposes simpler acquisition categories and stronger support for indigenous design and development. It also proposes indigenous content <strong>requirements of up to 60%.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Till May 2026, <strong>10 Positive Indigenisation lists, <\/strong>five each of DMA &amp; DDP, covering 5,521 items were notified.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major indigenous acquisitions:<\/strong> Approvals include 97 Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets worth \u20b962,000 crore and 156 LCH Prachand helicopters worth \u20b962,700 crore.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>These procurements expand India\u2019s domestic aerospace and defence manufacturing capabilities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2025<\/strong> streamlined nearly \u20b91 lakh crore in revenue procurement. It enabled faster approvals, relaxed penalties for indigenous projects and assured long-term orders.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Srijan Defence Equipment Empowerment Platform (DEEP)<\/strong> is a digital repository promoting indigenous defence sourcing. As of May 2026, it listed over 41,000 vendors and 2.7 lakh products, strengthening domestic supply chains.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Defence Industrial Corridors: <\/strong>Two corridors, <strong>Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC) and Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor (TNDIC),<\/strong> are the lifelines of this transformation.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>By April 2026, the <strong>UPDIC <\/strong>had attracted \u20b942,057 crore in investment commitments and the TNDIC attracted \u20b932,699 crore of investment.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The BrahMos Integration &amp; Testing Facility<\/strong> in Lucknow has begun manufacturing missiles.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS):<\/strong> DTIS aims to boost indigenisation by providing financial assistance for setting up<strong> eight Greenfield testing and certification facilities<\/strong> in the aerospace and defence sector.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Seven test facilities <\/strong>are already approved in areas like unmanned aerial systems, electronic warfare, electro-optics, and communications.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Boosting Innovation:<\/strong><strong>iDEX &amp; TDF Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), launched in 2018,<\/strong> supports startups, MSMEs, academia, and innovators with grants and funding to develop technologies for defence and aerospace.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Technology Development Fund (TDF) Scheme<\/strong> also funds industries, especially Start-ups and MSMEs upto an amount of Rs. 10 Crore, for innovation, research and development of defence technologies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ease of Doing Business in Defence: <\/strong>Industrial licence validity has been extended from 3 years to 15 years, with a possible 3-year extension, making investment planning easier.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The FDI limit in the defence sector was increased to <strong>74% under the Automatic Route and up to 100% via the Government Route.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Way Ahead<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>India should <strong>strengthen indigenous research and development capabilities<\/strong> in emerging defence technologies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Greater collaboration <strong>between DRDO, private industries, startups, and academic <\/strong>institutions is required.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Defence industrial corridors and manufacturing clusters <\/strong>should be expanded further.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Specialised skill development and training programmes<\/strong> should be launched to create a skilled workforce for emerging defence technologies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/ddindia.co.in\/2026\/10\/rajnath-singh-calls-for-aatmanirbharta-2-0-to-advance-defence-self-reliance-at-swavlamban-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>DD<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><strong> Context <\/strong><\/p>\n<li class=\"ms-5\"> The Defence Minister has called for \u2018Aatmanirbharta 2.0\u2019 in the defence sector, with a focus on developing advanced technologies, strengthening research and development (R&#038;D) and building resilient domestic supply chains. <\/li>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><strong> Overview of India\u2019s Defence Sector <\/strong><\/p>\n<li class=\"ms-5\"> India\u2019s annual defence production has surged to an all-time high of Rs 1.78 lakh crore in the Financial Year (FY) 2025-26. The milestone represents a 15.6% growth over the previous fiscal year. <\/li>\n<li class=\"ms-5\"> Sectoral Contribution: Defence Public Sector Undertakings and other PSUs accounted for approximately 76% of total production, while the private sector contributed 24%. <\/li>\n<p><a href=\" https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/current-affairs\/27-10-2026\/aatmanirbharta-2-defence-sector \" class=\"btn btn-primary btn-sm float-end\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-87461","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-current-affairs"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/87461","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=87461"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/87461\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":87465,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/87461\/revisions\/87465"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=87461"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=87461"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=87461"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}