Defence Technology is a concept that encompasses the research, development, and production of advanced military equipment and systems, such as indigenous missile systems, fighter jets, and digital warfare capabilities. Its origin is rooted in India's determination to achieve strategic autonomy and shift away from heavy reliance on foreign imports for defence equipment.
The institutional foundation was laid with the establishment of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in 1958, which is the R&D arm of the Ministry of Defence. The problem it solved was India's vulnerability due to import dependence, leading to the goal of self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta). A key early mechanism was the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP), conceptualized by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam to attain self-sufficiency in missile technology, which led to systems like the Prithvi and Agni series.
The mechanism for procurement and development is governed by the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, which replaced the earlier Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP), first initiated in 2002. The DAP 2020 mandates that all modernization needs for the Armed Forces must be indigenously sourced, making foreign capital acquisitions an exception. It connects directly to the 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives. Related institutions include Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), which contributes to space-based defence capabilities.
Recent changes have focused on boosting private sector participation: a new Transfer of Technology policy was implemented, waiving the 20% fee previously levied for development and production partners. The DRDO now grants Indian industries free access to its patents. Furthermore, 25% of the Defence R&D budget is now allocated to the industry, academia, and start-ups. The DAP 2020 also introduced the Buy (Global – Manufacture in India) category, requiring a minimum of 50% indigenisation content.