India's defence sector pivots to technology and indigenisation

India’s defence industry is entering a technology‑driven growth phase. At PL Capital’s Defence Conference in Mumbai, officials said about 75% of the Ministry of Defence’s capital procurement will now be sourced domestically, opening large opportunities for Indian firms in defence electronics, aerospace and autonomous systems. The tactical‑drone market is projected to rise from roughly ₹30‑35 billion to ₹120‑140 billion, and the government’s plan for military satellites is spurring demand for private‑sector space capabilities.

At the CII Tamil Nadu Defence X Conclave, DRDO scientist Dr B K Das stressed that “technology security is national security,” calling for sovereign design, supply‑chain and digital capabilities in AI, advanced electronics and cyber‑technologies. He warned that a single supply‑chain disruption could cripple entire defence systems. Tamil Nadu aims to become a major aerospace, defence and marine manufacturing hub by 2029, leveraging the Defence Industrial Corridor and a new MoU with IN‑SPACe to build a testing facility near Thoothukudi. Defence production has crossed ₹1.5 lakh crore, with exports near ₹38,000 crore.