DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat highlighted the Indian government's steadfast commitment to achieving self-reliance in defense production as a driving force behind significant advancements in the sector.
Speaking at a Defence Summit 2024, Kamat attributed the success of the 'Make in India' initiative to the government's resolute determination. He emphasized government policies, including the publication of a list mandating services to be procured from Indian companies, as pivotal in spurring investment and domestic manufacturing.
Kamat emphasized the critical need to nurture a robust research and development (R&D) ecosystem in India to drive innovation. He stressed the importance of diversifying the R&D landscape to include not only DRDO but also startups, MSMEs, and academia.
This broader participation, Kamat noted, would expedite the translation of research into market-ready products. Furthermore, Kamat highlighted the increasing role of the private sector in defense manufacturing, heralding a new era of dynamism and efficiency.
With private entities contributing to manufacturing processes, Kamat expressed confidence in their ability to enhance production speed, cost-effectiveness, and quality standards.
Looking ahead, Kamat predicted a surge in India's defense exports, buoyed by growing interest in Indian defense systems globally. He cited data indicating a remarkable milestone in defense production, with the value surpassing Rs one lakh crore in FY 2022-23, marking a significant increase from the previous fiscal year.
This robust growth trajectory underscores India's burgeoning capabilities and potential as a key player in the global defense market.
