SELF-RELIANCE IN PRODUCTION OF DEFENCE PRODUCTS

ChinmayaIAS Academy - Current Affairs February 11, 2023 GS3 Leave a comment 167 Views

The Government has undertaken a number of policy initiatives for indigenous manufacturing of state-of-the-art technology defence products. These initiatives, inter-alia, include:
In order to promote indigenous design and development of defence equipment ‘Buy {Indian-IDDM (Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured)}’ category has been accorded top most priority for procurement of capital equipment.
An innovation ecosystem for Defence titled Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) has been launched in April 2018.
To enable adoption of Artificial Intelligence in defence, Defence AI Council (DAIC) and Defence AI Project Agency (DAIPA) has been created.
Further, an AI roadmap has also been finalised for each Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) under which 70 defence specific AI projects have been identified for development.
Specific provisions have been introduced in DAP-2020 under ‘Buy and Make (Indian)’ and ‘Buy (Global – Manufacture in India)’ category, wherein indigenous production is carried out with Transfer of Technology (ToT) from foreign OEM.
Discharge of offset obligations by foreign OEMs through ToT to Indian enterprises including government institutions has been incorporated.
Government has notified the ‘Strategic Partnership (SP)’ Model which envisages establishment of long-term strategic partnerships with Indian entities through a transparent and competitive process, wherein they would tie up with global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to seek technology transfers to set up domestic manufacturing infrastructure and supply chains.
Defence Research & Development (R&D) has been opened up for industry, start-ups and academia with 25 percent of defence R&D budget earmarked, to promote development of defence technology in the country.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) identified nine thrust areas for focused research, namely Platforms, Weapon System, Strategic Systems, Sensors & Communication Systems, Space, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence & Robotics, Material & Devices and Soldier Support.
Technology Development Fund (TDF) Scheme also funds industries, especially – Start-ups and MSMEs upto an amount of Rs. 10 Crore, for innovation, research and development of defence Technologies in the field of defence and Aerospace.