India's pursuit of self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative necessitates the establishment of a dedicated Research and Development (R&D) fund.
This fund should not be limited to state-run defence organisations like DRDO but should also encompass the private sector, startups, and academia. A well-structured R&D fund can stimulate innovation and expedite the development of indigenous defence technologies.
Historically, India's defence sector has faced challenges in technological advancement due to resource constraints and import dependency. A dedicated R&D fund would incentivize domestic development of advanced systems in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), hypersonics, cyber defence, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), reducing reliance on foreign suppliers and bolstering national security.
The private sector, including startups, plays a crucial role in driving innovation but often encounters financial barriers in pursuing high-risk, high-reward defence projects. The fund could offer grants, loans, or equity investments to private firms, empowering them to compete globally and contribute to India's defence capabilities.
A centralized fund could foster collaboration between government entities, private players, and academic institutions. Joint ventures and partnerships would cultivate a more robust and integrated defence ecosystem, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and expertise.
To ensure sustainability, intellectual property rights (IPR) generated through the fund could be managed by a new government department or a dedicated defence R&D authority. This body would license the technologies to various stakeholders, promoting widespread adoption and enabling cost recovery.
With targeted funding, the defence sector can address critical capability gaps, such as advanced propulsion systems, stealth technologies, directed energy weapons, and autonomous platforms. These advancements would enhance India's military prowess and preparedness in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.
Countries like the United States (through DARPA), Israel, and China have demonstrated the effectiveness of dedicated defence R&D funding in achieving technological superiority. India can draw inspiration from these models while tailoring the fund to its specific requirements and priorities.
A dedicated R&D fund for the defence sector is no longer a luxury but a strategic imperative. By fostering a culture of innovation, encouraging public-private collaboration, and ensuring strategic investment in critical areas, this initiative can propel India into the ranks of leading defence technology innovators, strengthening its national security and promoting self-reliance.
