- Recently, Prime Minister unveiled âSPRINT Challengesâ during Naval Innovation and IndigenisationOrganisation (NIIO) seminar âSwavlambanâ.
- ‘SPRINT (Supporting Pole-Vaulting in R&D through iDEX NIIO and TDAC) Challenges’ is aimed at giving a boost to the usage of indigenous technology in Indian Navy.
Importance of Self Reliance in Defense
- The defence sector was identified as an important area with many opportunities for self-reliance because it is one of the critical sectors of the Indian economy and also from the strategic point of view.
- It has the potential for tremendous growth because of the large, talented pool of skill sets in human resources and large-scale modernisation requirements of the Indian Armed Forces.
- The defence sector will strengthen the economy by generating employment opportunities and saving the exchequer by reducing the import burden.
- The size of the Defence Industry, including the Aerospace and Naval Shipbuilding Industry was estimated at Rs 85,000 Cr (2020-21).
- The ongoing Russia-Ukraine Conflict has too emerged the importance of self-reliance. A strong and well-equipped military renders a country immunity to any external and internal risk.
- With active participation of the private sector, MSMEs and start-ups, innovation in the defense sector is being promoted through several projects under the iDEX initiative and âTechnology Development Fundâ.
- Technology Development Fund (TDF) has been established to promote self-reliance in defence technology as a part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
- Indian Navy has developed necessary capabilities to not only safeguard Indiaâs maritime interests, but also of its friendly countries in line with the vision of âSecurity and Growth for all in the Regionâ (SAGAR).
SOURCE: THE HINDU,THE ECONOMIC TIMES,MINT