NEW DELHI — India’s defence ministry has outlined a new strategy to boost indigenous production of advanced weapons systems, following a series of meetings with industry leaders and a showcase at the 2026 Eurosatory trade fair in Paris. The plan aims to move the country from a buyer to a battlefield manufacturer for the world.
From Make in India to Battlefield Deployment
In a report published by the Economic Times on 25 September 2026, defence leaders described a roadmap that would see India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem mature from a nascent “Make in India” initiative to a fully integrated production and deployment chain. The article noted that the government is prioritising the development of indigenous platforms in areas such as unmanned aerial vehicles, missile systems, and cyber‑defence software.
At the same time, the Indian Aerospace and Defence Bulletin, which covered the 12 June 2026 edition of Eurosatory, highlighted how Indian companies showcased prototypes of next‑generation fighter jets and naval vessels. The bulletin described the event as a turning point where Indian manufacturers moved from being primarily buyers of foreign technology to active participants in the global defence supply chain.
Strategic Objectives
The ministry’s strategy focuses on three pillars: technology acquisition, domestic capacity building, and export readiness. Under the technology acquisition pillar, the government has increased funding for research and development in partnership with state‑owned enterprises such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The domestic capacity building pillar involves setting up new production lines in collaboration with private firms, while the export readiness pillar aims to position India as a supplier of advanced systems to friendly nations.
Officials said that the new roadmap would be implemented through a series of phased milestones. The first phase, set to conclude by 2028, will focus on upgrading existing production facilities and securing critical components from domestic suppliers. The second phase, slated for 2030, will aim to achieve 70% self‑reliance in key weapon categories, including surface‑to‑air missiles and electronic warfare suites.
Industry Response
Industry representatives at Eurosatory expressed optimism about the government’s commitment. A senior executive from a leading aerospace firm stated that the event had showcased a portfolio of indigenous aircraft that could compete with global players. The firm also highlighted the potential for joint ventures with foreign partners to accelerate technology transfer.
Meanwhile, a representative from a domestic defence contractor noted that the company had already secured contracts for the production of small arms and light vehicles. The contractor added that the new policy would streamline the approval process for indigenous projects, reducing lead times for procurement.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the positive outlook, experts point out several challenges that could impede the rapid scaling of production. Supply chain bottlenecks, especially for high‑precision components, remain a concern. Additionally, the need for skilled labour and advanced manufacturing infrastructure requires significant investment.
The ministry has announced a new fund of ₹50,000 crore to support research and development in critical defence technologies. This fund will be allocated through a competitive grant system, with priority given to projects that demonstrate a clear path to commercial viability and battlefield applicability.
Policy Context
The roadmap aligns with the Defence Production Policy 2025, which calls for a 30% increase in domestic defence manufacturing output by 2030. The policy also emphasises the importance of self‑reliance in strategic sectors such as aerospace, naval engineering, and cyber‑security.
In a statement released by the ministry, the Defence Minister reiterated the commitment to achieving technological sovereignty. The statement underscored the role of public‑private partnerships in bridging gaps between research institutions and industry.
International Implications
India’s push for indigenous production has implications beyond its borders. The country’s participation in Eurosatory 2026 was seen as a signal to international partners that it is ready to contribute to global defence markets. Analysts suggest that this could open new avenues for collaboration with countries seeking to diversify their supply chains.
As the world faces evolving security challenges, India’s focus on developing homegrown technology is positioned to enhance its strategic autonomy. The defence ministry’s roadmap, if implemented as planned, could transform India into a significant player in the global defence industry.
