India's Defence Technology Challenges
India, despite seven decades of independence, continues to struggle with modernizing its defence-technology base. The country's reliance on imports remains significant, particularly as the Indian Air Force's aircraft numbers dwindle and other key defence systems face readiness issues. The procurement patterns, such as those involving T-72 tank engines from Russia, underscore this dependency.
Key Challenges
- India's inability to transform its defence technology base is influenced by:
- Escalating costs and rapid technological advancements.
- Lack of government-initiated advanced weapon technology projects.
- Need for industrial collaboration and international cooperation.
Strategic Perspective and the Missing Link
India faces challenges in balancing defence technology needs with broader socio-economic goals. The absence of strategic interaction between policy planning and technological investment is evident, as illustrated by missed opportunities such as the collaborative development of the DATRAN 1500 engine by the DRDO and BEML.
Consequences of Strategic Gaps
- Insufficient development of dual-use technologies.
- Limited cross-fertilization of ideas and exchange of research expertise.
- Delayed advancement in collaborative strategic research, impacting both civilian and military sectors.
Case for Convergence
Drawing lessons from countries like China, Israel, and South Korea, India can benefit from industrial convergence, which harmonizes national industrial infrastructure with defence capabilities. China's strategy of civil-military fusion exemplifies leveraging civilian technology for military gains, enhancing weapon capabilities, and achieving economies of scale.
Benefits of Convergence
- Reduced reliance on arms sales for revenue among Chinese defence companies, e.g., Norinco.
- Higher integration of civilian technology leaders into arms production.
- Enhanced global competitiveness in emerging technologies with dual-use applications.
Fostering Industrial Convergence in India
Fostering industrial convergence requires government initiatives to study technology trends and integrate processes across civil and defence industries. India should aspire to become a technology creator, focusing on key technologies identified by experts.
Strategic Approaches
- Re-evaluate co-development, co-production, and other collaborative models.
- Redefine public and private ownership roles in defence companies.
- Enhance private sector influence in arms procurement decision-making processes.
Integrating India's defence technology needs into its industrial base is crucial to addressing research and development costs and reducing import dependency.