- Declaring overdependence on imports in defence "unacceptable," the Centre on Thursday unveiled India's first-ever policy aimed at achieving self-reliance in design, development and production of defence equipment, weapons systems and platforms.
- The policy also aims at creating for private industries, particularly small and medium enterprises, conditions conducive to play an active role in the endeavor while seeking to broaden the defence research and development base.
- For the armed forces, India procures nearly 70 per cent of the requirements through imports, and according to industry estimates, it will spend up to $50 billion on defence procurement over the next five years.
Main features of DPP
- As for the DPP, preference will be given to indigenous design, development and manufacture of defence equipment. Only if the Indian industry is unable to make and deliver the equipment as per specifications within the specified time frame will procurement be made from foreign sources.
- The time taken for procurement and delivery from foreign sources vis-à-vis the time required for making the equipment in the country, along with the urgency and criticality of the requirement, will be examined as per the DPP before deciding to proceed with procurement from foreign sources.
- Sub-systems that are not economically viable or practical to be made within India may be imported, ensuring their availability at all times. However, as far as possible, the design and integration of the platforms and systems will be undertaken within the country.
- The government will endeavor to build a robust indigenous defence industrial base encouraging greater involvement of the private sector.
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