Sustaining its drive to achieve self-reliance in the defence sector, the government on Thursday released the third list of 101 military systems and weapons that now come under the import ban over the next five years. These curbs will help the Indian industry to manufacture world-class weapons here.
The third list released by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh here includes major equipment and platforms including sensors, weapons and ammunition, naval utility helicopters, patrol vessels, anti-ship missile and anti-radiation missiles.
Determined to make India a hub for defence manufacturing, the government has set a goal of a turnover of USD 25 billion (Rs 1.75 lakh crore) in defence manufacturing in the next five years which includes an export target of USD 5 billion (Rs 35,000 crore) worth of military hardware.
Underlining the need for indigenization, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February had said customisation and uniqueness of military hardware was critical to hold the advantage of surprise over India’s adversaries. It could be achieved only if weapons and systems are developed in the country, he had noted.
The first list banning import of 101 items was taken out in August 2020 followed by second list in May last year covering 108 items. The first list included towed artillery guns, short range surface to air missiles, cruise missiles and off-shore patrol vessels.
The second list included next-generation corvettes, airborne early warning systems, tank engines and radars under a staggered timeline of four-and-half years.
Unveiling the third list, Rajnath said, “It gives me great pleasure to release the third positive indigenisation list of 101 defence equipment and platforms to the nation. The release of this list shows the fast pace of our self-reliance in the defence sector."
He, however, said India's self-reliance in the defence sector does not mean working in isolation from the rest of the world. "It means working in our own country with their (foreign firms) active participation and support," the minister said.
The items covered in the third list are planned to be indigenised progressively with effect from December 2022 to December 2027. These 101 items will, henceforth, be procured from local sources.
The spirit behind issuing these three lists comprising 310 defence equipment reflects the growing confidence of the government in the capabilities of domestic industry.