In a significant move to bolster India’s self-reliance in defence, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has offered 28 indigenously designed and developed weapon systems for emergency procurement by the Indian armed forces.
Following the successful deployment of these systems during Operation Sindoor, the Indian military’s forceful response to the Pahalgam terror attack and the ensuing hostilities with Pakistan, this initiative is closely linked to the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) campaign.
Under recently granted emergency procurement powers, the Army, Navy, and Air Force can fast acquire new weapons or replenish existing inventories, with each product’s acquisition capped at ₹300 crore.
A wide range of weapons, including rockets, air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, laser-guided bombs, torpedoes, grenades, anti-drone systems, and sophisticated electronic warfare equipment, are on the DRDO’s list.
The next-generation Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS-NG) is one of the notable systems available, along with the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, MRSAM and Akash air defense systems, Pinaka rockets, Nag and HELINA anti-tank guided missiles, Rudram anti-radiation missiles, Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons (SAAW), long-range glide bombs, and advanced lightweight torpedoes.
Each service’s operational requirements determine how these systems are distributed; the Army has 14 designated systems, the Navy has 8, and the Air Force has 6. In order to ensure procurement flexibility and transparency, the DRDO has also given the military a list of private manufacturers and public sector undertakings (PSUs) allowed to create these systems. For instance, two of the major suppliers for certain equipment are Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited and Bharat Dynamics Limited.
By avoiding conventional, frequently drawn-out purchase procedures, this emergency procurement technique makes it possible to supply vital systems in three to six months. Given that the Indian military is looking to make quick purchases of over ₹40,000 crore to meet urgent operational needs under Operation Sindoor, the effort is very pertinent.
The effectiveness of DRDO-developed weaponry in recent missions, particularly Operation Sindoor, has increased trust in domestic capabilities. These devices were essential in thwarting Pakistani attacks and carrying out successful counterattacks, which included hitting Pakistani airbases like Nur Khan and Murid.
India hopes to improve its operational readiness and technical sovereignty, boost domestic manufacturing, and lessen its reliance on foreign defense imports by quickly arming its armed forces with high-performance indigenous systems. In addition to addressing current security issues, this strategy change establishes the groundwork for future defense self-reliance.
