India’s Army Leans In: 85% Indigenous by 2032

The Indian Army’s bold move to make 85% of its defense gear indigenous by 2032 signals a transformative shift toward self-reliance,

India’s Army Leans In: 85% Indigenous by 2032

The Indian Army charts a new path to self-reliance through homegrown innovation, defense tech, and industrial collaboration.

In a resolute move toward national self-reliance, the Indian Army has pledged to source 85% of its defense acquisitions domestically by 2032. More than a procurement milestone, this ambitious target reflects a generational transformation—one rooted in innovation, strategy, and the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. As India aspires to become a fully developed nation by 2047, its military is laying the technological groundwork to meet threats with equipment designed and built on home soil.

This push for defense autonomy is not about symbolic patriotism. It’s a calculated strategy to ensure operational readiness, technological sovereignty, and economic resilience. With modern warfare becoming increasingly data-driven and drone-enabled, India’s pivot towards indigenous systems ensures it isn’t reliant on foreign supply chains or constrained by external geopolitical shifts.

Army Design Bureau: The Nerve Center of Innovation

At the core of this transformation lies the Army Design Bureau (ADB)—a hub for collaboration between the military, Indian industries, research institutes, and academia. Since its inception, ADB has actively engaged with over 1,700 private sector firms, 200 academic institutions, and 50 research bodies to develop tailor-made technologies for the battlefield.

Of particular note are the 86 ongoing projects under iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence), a government initiative fostering innovation through startups and small enterprises. Fourteen of these have already received formal go-aheads, and several have moved into operational deployment. These include advanced surveillance systems, lightweight gear, and mission-specific weaponry designed by nimble, tech-savvy startups.

This marks a clear break from the era of import dependency. By decentralizing defense innovation and encouraging grassroots-level contributions, the Indian Army is democratizing national security.

AI, Drones, and Robotics: Tomorrow’s Arsenal Today

India’s defense strategy is rapidly evolving in the age of artificial intelligence. The Army’s dedicated AI Incubation Centre in Bengaluru, launched in partnership with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), is overseeing over 50 AI projects. These range from automated satellite image analysis and predictive logistics to perimeter defense systems that can detect and neutralize threats with minimal human input.

Collaboration with premier institutions like IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, and IISc Bengaluru has already yielded over 30 AI-driven defense startups. Among their innovations: autonomous ground vehicles, robotic sentinels, and electric mobility platforms capable of operating in high-altitude terrains.

This wave of technological adoption ensures the Indian Army isn’t just catching up—it’s building next-gen capabilities that rival global standards.

Artillery, Vehicles, and Munitions: Built for India, by India

Modernization on the ground is equally impressive. The Army has begun inducting the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS)—a powerful, long-range system designed entirely in India. With 307 units ordered, ATAGS is set to become a staple in India’s high-altitude deployments.

Alongside this, the Army is inducting Dhanush howitzers and Sharang guns, with configurations tailored for rugged terrains like Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. These upgrades are complemented by new Infantry Protected Mobility Vehicles (IPMVs) and Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicles (QRFVs), enhancing troop agility in conflict zones.

Notably, 45 Canister-Launched Anti-Armour Loitering Munition (CALM) systems have been contracted for delivery by 2025—highlighting India’s growing foray into precision-guided, drone-enabled warfare.

Surveillance and Supply: The Sky’s the Limit

Intelligence gathering and battlefield logistics have also received a futuristic boost. The Heron Mk-II drones, now operational, offer round-the-clock aerial surveillance, critical in border areas where response time is vital. Moreover, over 360 logistics drones are being deployed for rapid resupply missions, especially in remote, mountainous regions.

Unlike earlier imports, these UAVs and drones are designed and built in India, often in partnership with private defense firms. This domestic capability makes India’s supply chain leaner, faster, and more secure.

Redefining Defense: A Strategic, Sustainable Shift

What makes this indigenization initiative enduring is its collaborative DNA. The Indian Army isn’t just placing orders—it’s co-developing solutions. Initiatives like Inno-Yoddha, an annual innovation challenge, are giving entrepreneurs and engineers a platform to pitch real-world solutions directly to military leadership.

By moving away from the rigid, top-down procurement model of the past, the Army is now fostering a dynamic ecosystem of defense innovation. It’s responsive. It’s inclusive. And it’s designed to last.

Conclusion: From Vision to Victory—Made in India, Ready for Tomorrow

India’s commitment to achieving 85% indigenous defense capability by 2032 is more than a policy—it’s a paradigm shift. It speaks of a nation determined to take charge of its security by leveraging local talent, cutting-edge research, and a thriving industrial base. In this era of hybrid warfare and shifting global alliances, such autonomy is not optional—it’s essential.

As the Indian Army marches toward self-reliance, it brings along with it an entire ecosystem of thinkers, makers, and innovators. The message is loud and clear: India’s future battles will be fought—and won—with weapons forged at home.

Disclaimer:

This article is an independent editorial analysis based on publicly available information. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Indian Army or the Ministry of Defence. The insights presented are for informational purposes and reflect journalistic interpretation.

source :Newsable Asianet News