It is important to note that from now on, these indigenised items will exclusively be procured from the Indian industry.
India has taken yet another step towards the dream of achieving ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in Defence sector. 164 Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) items, which were to be indigenised by December 2022, have met the target within the timelines. These 164 PIL items, which have an import substitution value of Rs 814 crore, have been notified by the Department of Defence Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence (MoD). The indigenisation process was carried out by Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) in collaboration with industry partners, including MSMEs, or through in-house efforts.
The items include Replacement Units (LRUs)/Sub-systems/Spares & Components for DPSUs. Previously, DDP had announced the successful indigenisation of 2,572 items with an import substitution value of Rs 1,756 crore. With the recent notification of these 164 additional items, the total number of indigenised items (till Dec 2022) from the DDP’s PILs reached 2,736, holding a combined import substitution value of Rs 2,570 crore. It is important to note that from now on, these indigenised items will exclusively be procured from the Indian industry.
India’s Defence Accomplishments
Thanks to the India’s recent unwavering policy initiatives and the significant efforts of the defense industry, the country has accomplished an impressive feat in defense exports in FY 2022-23. The export figures have soared to an unprecedented value of approximately Rs 16,000 crore, surpassing the previous year’s total by nearly Rs 3,000 crore. This remarkable achievement represents a remarkable growth of over 10 times since the year 2016-17. Details of India’s defence exports in last five years are as follows –
FY 2018-19 – Rs. 10,745 crores
FY 2019-20 – Rs. 9,115 crores
FY 2020-21 – Rs. 8,434 crores
FY 2021-22 – Rs. 12,814 crores
FY 2022-23 – Rs. 15,920 crores
According to latest defence data, India exports to over 85 countries today. Indian defence industry has proven its design and development capabilities to the entire globe, with over 100 firms exporting defence products and equipment currently. The rapidly growing defence exports and participation of 104 nations in Aero India 2023 are proof of New India’s defence manufacturing capabilities soaring to new heights.
In last eight years, India has undergone a massive industry transformation from being predominantly an importer to becoming a notable exporter. Today, India exports major platforms like the Dornier-228 aircraft, 155 mm Advanced Towed Artillery Guns (ATAGs), Brahmos Missiles, Akash Missile System, Radars, Simulators, Mine Protected Vehicles, Armoured Vehicles, PINAKA Rockets & Launchers, Ammunitions, Thermal Imagers, Body Armours, as well as various systems, Line Replaceable Units (LRUs), and parts & components of Avionics and Small Arms. In fact, there is an increasing global demand for India’s LCA-Tejas, Light Combat Helicopters and Aircraft Carriers too.
India has introduced many other policy initiatives and reforms in the past few years. The export procedures have been streamlined with industry-friendly changes and end-to-end online export authorisation, reducing delays and enhancing Ease of Doing Business. India also has notified 3 Open General Export License (OGEL) for export of components, technology transfer, major Platforms and Equipment.
