The following steps have been taken by the government which would help in bringing in critical technologies and modernize the Defence Industry in the country:-

  • Defense Procurement Procedure (DPP) has been revised in 2016 wherein specific provisions have been introduced such as ‘Buy Indian Designed Developed and Manufactured (IDDM)’ for stimulating the growth of the domestic defense industry.
  • The government has notified the ‘Strategic Partnership (SP)’ Model which envisages the 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.
  • ‘Buy & Make (Indian)’ category of procurement under DPP-2016 provides for initial procurement of equipment in Fully Formed (FF) state in quantities as considered necessary from an Indian vendor engaged in a tie-up with a foreign OEM, followed by indigenous production in a phased manner involving Transfer of Technology (ToT) of critical technologies.
  • ‘Buy & Make’ category of procurement under DPP-2016 provides for initial procurement of equipment in Fully Formed (FF) state from a foreign vendor, in quantities as considered necessary, followed by indigenous production through an Indian Production Agency (PA), in a phased manner involving Transfer of Technology (ToT) of critical technologies.
  • Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Policy has been revised and under the revised policy, FDI is allowed under automatic route up to 49% and beyond 49% through Government route wherever it is likely to result in access to modern technology or for other reasons to be recorded.

In addition to the above, the following initiatives and schemes have been initiated to contribute toward the modernization of the Defence Industry:-

  • Mission Raksha Gyanshakti: Mission Raksha Gyanshakti was launched in 2018-19, with the objective of creating greater Intellectual Property in the Defence Production Ecosystem.
  • Artificial Intelligence in Defence: Creation of Defence Artificial Intelligence Project Agency(DAIPA) was done in March 2019 for greater thrust on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Defence, formulation of an AI roadmap for each Defence PSU and OFB to develop AI-enable products, and insertion of 3 percent points in MoU with Defence PSUs for AI products being developed.
  • Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX): The objective of iDEX is to bring startups to innovate, develop technology and solve problems related to defense and aerospace. The initiative is being implemented by Defence Innovation Organization (DIO), a Section 8 company founded by BEL and HAL. DIO has initiated activities in 2018/ 2019, running Defence India Startup Challenges (DISCs), and outreach activities to activate the Indian startup ecosystem for defense.

In May 2001, the Defence Industry Sector, which was hitherto reserved for the public sector, was opened up to 100% for Indian private sector participation, with Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) up to 26% both subject to Licensing. Further, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry has allowed FDI under automatic route up to 49% and above 49% through Government route wherever it is likely to result in access to modern technology or for other reasons to be recorded. To date, 43 FDI proposals/ Joint ventures have been approved for the manufacture of various defense equipment, both in the public and private sector. Till February 2020, Government has issued 464 licenses to Indian Companies for manufacturing a wide range of defense items.

This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Shripad Naik in a written reply to Shri Vijay Goel in Rajya Sabha today.

Source: Press Release
Release ID: 1607716
Date: March 23, 2020
PIB Delhi
Ministry of Defence