From Tejas fighter jets and the AMCA programme to drones and missile systems. India is pushing aggressively towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Can India truly become “Aatmanirbhar” in defence? Or is complete self-reliance impossible in a world dependent on global supply chains? What role will private companies play in India’s growing drone ecosystem?

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, we are joined by Sanjeev Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Department of Defence Production. A 1993-batch IAS officer with a background in electronics engineering, communication technology, and financial management, he is leading India’s push towards indigenous defence manufacturing and technology modernisation.

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction

01:05 – Lessons from West Asia Crisis

05:05 – India’s Drone Production Capacity

05:52 – India’s Missile Production Capacity

08:49 – India’s Ammunition Manufacturing Capacity

14:27 – India’s Defence Exports

17:20 – India’s Atmanirbhar Defence Capabilities

19:45 – Success of ‘Make in India’ in Defence

24:52 – India’s Defence Imports

27:59 – Chinese Components & Data Security Risks

29:02 – Use of AI in Modern Warfare

29:52 – India’s Indigenous Fighter Jet Programme

35:24 – Tejas Jet Delivery Status

38:25 – India’s BrahMos Missile Programme

39:35 – India’s Competitors in Defence Exports

42:02 – India’s AMCA Project

44:09 – Defence Firms Investing in R&D

49:09 – Defence Talent and Innovation in India

56:56 – India–Russia Defence Partnership

1:02:04 – S-400 and Operation Sindoor