Over 100 Arms, Missiles Banned From Imports To Support “Atmanirbhar Bharat” Initiative

In a boost to the Indian Defence sector, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled the third list of over 101 military systems and weapons that will be subject to an import ban for the next five years and must be produced in-house.

Singh said the list comprises significant equipment and platforms like as sensors, guns and ammunition, naval utility helicopters, patrol vessels, anti-ship missiles, and anti-radiation missiles when he released it at an event.

“It brings me great pleasure to provide the nation with the third positive indigenisation list, which includes 101 defensive equipment and systems. The publication of this list demonstrates our defence sector’s rapid self-sufficiency “he stated

In August 2020, the first “positive indigenisation” list of 101 items was released, which included towed artillery guns, short-range surface-to-air missiles, cruise missiles, and offshore patrol vessels.

In May of last year, the government approved four-and-a-half-year import restrictions on an additional 108 military weapons and systems, including next-generation corvettes, airborne early warning systems, tank engines, and radars.

“Self-sufficiency in the defence sector and the promotion of military equipment exports are two of our most significant goals. The publication of this list will boost indigenization with the help of the public and private sectors, and we will work hard to achieve both of these objectives “Singh remarked.

The government has taken a number of steps in recent years to stimulate domestic defence manufacture.

India, which faces difficult challenges from its northern and western neighbours, is one of the world’s top arms importers. The Indian armed services are expected to spend over USD 130 billion (one billion equals 100 crore) on capital acquisition during the next five years, according to estimates.

The government has resolved to boost indigenous defence manufacture in order to lessen reliance on imported military platforms.

In the next five years, the Ministry of Defence wants to turn over USD 25 billion (Rs 1.75 lakh crore) in defence manufacturing, with a target of USD 5 billion (Rs 35,000 crore) in military gear exports.