Beyond 'Make in India': How India is trying to build a military it can truly call its own

AI Summary

India's defense sector is undergoing reforms to boost self-reliance with increased domestic procurement and categorized acquisition models. The Defence Acquisition Council approved significant proposals including QRSAM, drone detection, and new aircraft, while the Army restructured elite units to address aerial threats.

India's defence establishment has spent the past year pushing an ambitious self-reliance agenda, shifting from "Make in India" toward "Owned by India." Key reforms include DAP 2026, domestic procurement allocation raised to 75%, new Buy Global-Manufacture in India and Make-III categories, and MSME-reserved acquisitions. The Defence Acquisition Council cleared 55 proposals worth Rs 6.73 lakh crore, including QRSAM, drone detection systems, AEW&C Mk-1A, Tejas Mk-1A and Rafale Marine. The Army restructured with Rudra All Arms Brigades, Bhairav commando battalions and Ashni drone platoons, responding to UAS gaps exposed during Operation Sindoor.