Defence Technology: The defence industry of India is a strategically important sector in India. India boasts one of the world’s largest military forces, with an impressive 1.44 million active personnel. What’s even more remarkable is that it also hosts the world’s largest volunteer military, counting over 5.1 million individuals. In 2021, the Indian military was allocated a substantial budget of ₹4.78 lakh crore (US$67 billion), securing its position as the third-largest in the world, trailing behind the USA and China.
- Notably, India stands as the second-largest importer of defence equipment globally, following Saudi Arabia, with a significant 9.2% share of the arms import market.
- The country’s defence industry, primarily government-owned, plays a pivotal role, with entities like DRDO, defence shipyards, defence PSUs, and ordnance factories driving innovation and production.
- To bolster domestic capabilities, India has implemented a new defence policy focused on reducing reliance on imports and fostering indigenous manufacturing.
- Since its inception in 1958, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has spearheaded military research and development under the Ministry of Defence’s purview, marking a significant milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence.
The Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme
Nuclear Command Authority
Cruise missiles vs Ballistic missiles
India’s Nuclear Triad
Ship Biographies
INS Vikrant
INS Vikramaditya
Anti Ballistic Missile Defence System
NASAMS
S400
THAAD
Iron Dome
Bilateral and Multilateral Military Exercises
Defence Indigenization
INDIAN AIR FORCE
RAFALE Aircraft
Read more: Cruise Missiles vs Ballistic Missiles
