A strong and well-armed military force provides the country with protection against invasion and prevents unbridled rage from outside sources and counteracts any form of internal disruption. It serves as a defence mechanism and demonstrates national military might and defence forces in hostile countries. Equipping the military with the latest technology and modernizing the existing list of weapons and surveillance systems is crucial in any country. India also needs to build a strong military force armed with all kinds of highly developed weapons to strengthen its security and intelligence and to protect territorial integrity. Globally, countries involved in any form of internal security issues or having border disputes with hostile neighbours or facing any form of terrorist threat or countries facing any situation like war spend a lot of time strengthening their defence portfolio. Countries feel that only a strong defence and defence system can overcome any form of threat to their independence or sovereignty. Advances in technology have led to the development of more sophisticated weapons and more countries now have such weapons. These include missile systems, nuclear submarines, stealth fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, etc. To deal with any kind of adversity, any country needs a strong and modern framework for protection and security. Therefore, in addition to purchasing new defence products, it should be emphasized that doing so in such a way that the weapons system will not expire in a few years. In addition, such products should be able to be developed without much hassle. Any country cannot set aside the modern element as it holds the key to managing any kind of unexpected anger: internal or external. In order to build a strong security framework India needs to strengthen its security system that requires the installation of modern radars and drones in order to detect suspicious activity and illegal entry of the border early. Traditionally focused on its main enemy, Pakistan, India is increasingly concerned by China's military forces' impressive and quick modernization.

 

With a weak and under-strength air force, an army still stuck in strategic thinking from the previous century, and a navy that looks fine on paper but is far outclassed by China's navy, India is now realizing its own limitations. The strategic partnership between India and the United States is still in its early stages, but given the rapidly changing security situation in the Indo-Pacific region, as well as India's importance, there is a need for a watershed moment in India-US relations that includes a major U.S. technology transfer project. Nuclear and conventional naval propulsion systems, as well as aviation engines, are potential areas for knowledge transfer.

 

MAKE IN INDIA PROJECT INITIATIVE AND DEVELOPMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT.

Under the 'Make in India' initiative, the Ministry of Defence secured more than 180 contracts with the Indian industry valued roughly $25.8 billion between June 2014 and December 2019. The Ministry of Defence has set a target of Rs 1.75 lakh crore in aerospace and defence products and services turnover by 2024, including Rs 35,000 crore in exports.

 

Under the ‘Make in India’ program, the Centre has introduced three project lists

·project I (90% government-sponsored, retailer),

·project II (development of a model of a machine / system / platform or its development without government funding),

·project III (partner with foreign machinery manufacturer to produce in India).

 

Project-I: There are four Army projects at varying phases of development under this scheme: Indian Light Tanks, Terminal End Secrecy Device, Tactical Communication System (TCS), and Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle. Airborne Electro-Optical Pod with Ground Based System, Airborne Stand-Off Jammer, and Communication System with Indian Security Protocols are additional Airforce projects.

 

Project-II: These initiatives are concerned with the production of prototypes, systems, and sub-systems, mostly for import replacement or as novel solutions. Domestic manufacturers contribute to their funding. According to government policy, interested Indian firms may submit bids based on a preliminary assessment of project-specific details provided by the Centre.

 

There are now 68 projects for the Army, Navy, and Air Force that have gained Approval-in-Principle, as well as seven projects at the exploratory stage. Manufacturing of replacement parts, radar systems, detecting systems, instrumentation parts, and light vehicles are among them.

 

Project-III: In October 2020, the Centre also created a Project-III category of initiatives. Project-III programmes, like Project-II projects, are concerned with the development of defence prototypes, systems, and sub-systems. These, however, will not be conceived or developed in-house, but would be made in India as an import substitute. An Indian vendor can form a joint venture with a foreign original equipment manufacturer in these projects.

 

Upcoming India-Israeli Project & Deal which helps both the country strengthen Its military power.

1. Israeli Tavor X 95 rifles built in India: - Until recently, India obtained its Tavor X 95 rifles from Israel Weapons Industry. According to The Report’s, these firearms are now being manufactured in India and provided to federal and state authorities.

 

2. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has agreed to pay 48,000 crores for 83 new Tejas light combat aircraft: - On February 3, India's Ministry of Defence granted Hindustan Aeronautics Limited a 48,000-crore deal to equip the Indian Air Force with 83 light combat aircraft (LCA) Mk-1A jets, popularly known as Tejas fighters. In three years, the first Tejas LCA will be handed to the air force. The remainder will be delivered in 2030. There are 73 Mk-1A fighter jets and 10 LCA Mk-1 training aircraft among the 83 new aircraft.

 

3.Bharat Electronics has been awarded a defence procurement contract worth over Rs 1,000 crore for advanced radio systems: - On February 8, the Indian Ministry of Defence inked a deal with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the procurement of Software Defined Radio Tactical (SDR-Tac).

 

4. The SDR-Tac design and development is a collaboration between the Defence Research and Development Organizations, Weapons and Electronics Systems Engineering Establishment, BEL, the Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics, and the Indian Navy.

 

5. The radio system is a four-channel multi-mode, multi-band, 19-rack mountable, ship-borne design. The Indian Army will get 118 Arjun Mark-1A tanks valued at $8,400: -Tanks are traditionally made by the defence Research & Development Organization. This tank is a third-generation war tank. This means it has integrated weapons and stable computer fire control systems, which allow for continuous shooting and a high probability of first target shooting up to 2,000 meters. It has 72 more features compared to its older version. These 118 new tanks will be joining the first batch of 124 Arjun tanks, already in the Indian Army and deployed in the desert west of the Indian border with Pakistan.

 

6. A transaction for $200 million for Israeli SPICE bombs: - While the majority of new defence procurement deals in India are aimed at retaining manufacture in-house, some equipment is still imported. While India attempted to dismiss accusations, the nation secured a $200 million contract with Israel's Rafael Advanced Defence System. This agreement calls for the purchase of bomb guidance kits, anti-tank guided missiles, and software-enabled radios.

 

7. Indian company wins The Army has agreed to pay Rs 140 crore for high-altitude UAVs: -On January 14, the Indian Army bought an improved version of SWITCH tactical drones from an Indian start-up called idea-Forge. These are specialised drones designed to operate in high-altitude environments such as Ladakh.

 

8. The Indian Army is looking for new carbines: - After the previous procedure with the United Arab Emirates Caracal was cancelled in September 2021, the Indian Army has made a new request to expedite the acquisition of 93,895 carbines. All major international small weapons manufacturers, including Caracal, SiG Sauer, Beretta, and Kalashnikov, have been sent a Request for Information (RFI).

 

9. The government approves six more 'eyes in the sky' for Rs 10,994 crore: -In another boost to 'Make in India,' the Defence Acquisition Council approved the development of six new Airborne Early Warning and Control planes by the DRDO in September last year. With a budget of 10,994 crore, these new planes.

 

10. The Indian Navy will get new unmanned aerial vehicles to improve maritime monitoring: -The Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Union Minister Rajnath Singh, also accepted the Navy's plan in September 2020 to buy ship-launched, unmanned aerial systems for Rs 1,000 crore, allowing the force to have greater maritime expertise while on the move.

 

11. The Indian Ministry of Defence issued a request for proposal to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the HTT- 40 training aircraft (MoD): -In addition to the Tejas aircraft, the Ministry of Defence is considering purchasing HAL's HTT-40 training aircraft.