How India is building its indigenous military power
India's defence industry has pivoted from historical reliance on Russian giants for aircraft like the Su-30 MKI towards fostering self-reliance through the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Atmanirbharta initiative, promoting indigenous military systems, has catalyzed the Indian defense sector and spurred the growth of numerous startups. This policy also created strategic opportunities, leading to collaborations like the evaluation of Russian aircraft such as the Su-30K after the Soviet Union's collapse. India's engagement with Russian design bureaus, Sukhoi and Mikoyan, resulted in the development of advanced aircraft like the Su-30MKI, incorporating Western technologies. Furthermore, the global rise in UAV technology, inspired by Israeli and Ukrainian experiences, has driven Indian startups to excel in drone development, with the military placing substantial orders. The nation is actively building aerospace expertise and encouraging private sector initiative, highlighting the need for sustained financial support and strategies to retain skilled manpower.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Atmanirbharta initiative, promoting indigenous military systems, has catalyzed the Indian defense sector and spurred the growth of numerous startups. This policy also created strategic opportunities, leading to collaborations like the evaluation of Russian aircraft such as the Su-30K after the Soviet Union's collapse. India's engagement with Russian design bureaus, Sukhoi and Mikoyan, resulted in the development of advanced aircraft like the Su-30MKI, incorporating Western technologies. Furthermore, the global rise in UAV technology, inspired by Israeli and Ukrainian experiences, has driven Indian startups to excel in drone development, with the military placing substantial orders. The nation is actively building aerospace expertise and encouraging private sector initiative, highlighting the need for sustained financial support and strategies to retain skilled manpower.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Atmanirbharta initiative, promoting indigenous military systems, has catalyzed the Indian defense sector and spurred the growth of numerous startups. This policy also created strategic opportunities, leading to collaborations like the evaluation of Russian aircraft such as the Su-30K after the Soviet Union's collapse. India's engagement with Russian design bureaus, Sukhoi and Mikoyan, resulted in the development of advanced aircraft like the Su-30MKI, incorporating Western technologies. Furthermore, the global rise in UAV technology, inspired by Israeli and Ukrainian experiences, has driven Indian startups to excel in drone development, with the military placing substantial orders. The nation is actively building aerospace expertise and encouraging private sector initiative, highlighting the need for sustained financial support and strategies to retain skilled manpower.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced Atmanirbharta, whereby direct imports of military systems and subsystems were to be restricted and indigenous alternatives encouraged. This direction also opened up strategic options for the military. Many small and medium-level startups sprang up, finding ways to meet the needs of the military.
After the collapse of erstwhile Soviet Union in 1991, Narasimha Rao’s government saw a unique opportunity to benefit from the slack in the aerospace industries of Russia and Ukraine. I was directed to head a team, that included two DRDO scientists, to fly to Russia and evaluate aircraft against the approved requirement of ‘multi-role combat aircraft’. We test-flew the Su-30K.
At the time, we had a brilliant ambassador in Russia—Ronen Sen. He briefed us about Russian industries that were collapsing, were woefully short of cash and were seeking Indian investment. With the support of Sen and a strong direction from defence secretary [K.A.] Nambiar, Russia opened up its industries to develop advanced systems for India. Rao also held the defence portfolio.
The team discussed with Mikoyan Design Bureau the possibility of upgrading 125 MiG-21 BIS aircraft with western avionics, radar and cockpit displays similar to those on the light combat aircraft (LCA). Interestingly, Israel Aircraft Industries also offered to upgrade our MiG-21 BIS fleet, with some support from Russia. We did not accept the offer.
It was a unique opportunity for an Indian team to visit two of Russia’s famous design bureaus—the Sukhoi Design Bureau, headed by Mikhail Simonov, and the Mikoyan Design Bureau, headed by Rostislav Belyakov. Both men had designed combat aircraft for the Soviet Union since the Stalin era.
We held long sessions with the two design bureaus, sometimes extending past midnight. Each Russian team was led by its head, and included around 10 department heads and representatives of Russian government agencies. There were distinct differences in the atmosphere and the manner in which the two groups conducted their meetings.
Simonov’s group was strictly disciplined. Members participated only when directed by their head, and the meeting hall was spick and span. Nobody smoked. The meeting at the Mikoyan Design Bureau was attended by a similar number of people, but the conference room was clouded by heavy cigarette smoke, and vodka was served. I met Simonov, who had never visited India, and Belyakov, a veteran of many visits to India who oversaw the Nashik factory for the MiG-21 production.
The Sukhoi Design Bureau was contracted to develop a 25-tonne powerhouse based on the old Su-30K design. The Su-30 MKI that evolved from it was far more manoeuvrable than the sprightly seven-tonne MiG-21 designed by Mikoyan. We wanted navigation and display systems based on western technology, such as those used on the Mirage 2000. This was anathema to the Russians who argued and resisted, but eventually accepted. The mission computers with software were developed jointly by the DRDO and the SDI of the Air Force.
UAVs and drones evolved from Israel’s experience of fighting the resurgent groups in Lebanon and elsewhere. This gave Indian military an opportunity to experiment with Israeli reconnaissance UAVs, which proved successful. Meanwhile, UAV designs proliferated after the Ukrainians successfully employed them in both reconnaissance and offensive roles. Low capital costs and ease of manufacture encouraged a number of Indian startups to enter this field. The Indian military has placed substantial orders for the development of UAVs and drones in both the private and public sectors.
India is trying to build expertise in the aerospace sectors and is encouraging the private sector to take the initiative. These efforts require continual financial support and projects. Every major project—such as the LCA or battle tanks—creates opportunities for fresh expertise and experience. But, this expertise is not always readily available. We should not end up like Britain, Russia or Ukraine. Serious research is necessary on how to retain skilled manpower when projects near their end.
In my next column, I will look at our experience with Israeli industries.
The writer served as the 19th Chief of the Air Staff.