Speaking at Bengaluru Tech Summit 2024, Dr B.K. Das, Additional Director of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), shared his views on India’s great strides in defense technology, including hypersonics, autonomous systems, and AI-powered innovation, and the way the country is building on its defense capabilities and taking giant leaps towards technological self-reliance. Following are the key insights.
In defense, India has made great strides in the uncharted territory of hypersonic technology and autonomous weapon systems. Hypersonic platforms are a critical advancement in speed-sensitive defense mechanisms, offering an unmatched strategic advantage in today’s wars. These advances show India's increasing ability to create cutting-edge and speed-oriented defense solutions.
Autonomous systems, such as drones, unmanned combat vehicles, and AI-driven fighter jets, prove that we are now in next-generation warfare. Such technologies enable precision, lower the risk to human personnel, and are a case of India’s ability to assimilate advanced AI in defence infrastructure. The framework for innovation in defence is based on advanced systems, a combination of AI and analytics to deal with complex 21st-century defence challenges. This is a reflection of how the country is committed to technological superiority and self-reliance.
Modern defense strategies are based on the control of the electromagnetic spectrum. India’s electronic warfare capability investments are intended to nullify adversary threats in offensive and defensive operations. India is building up high-power spectrum control systems and pulse-based electromagnetic weapons using the lessons from recent global conflicts to neutralize threats. Focusing on electronic warfare shows India’s readiness for multi-domain warfare, whereby its armed forces can be dominant in contested environments while protecting key communication and intelligence networks.
The domain of space has become critical to national security. China, India, and Japan are all currently investing in space situational awareness (SSA) and satellite defense systems and are moving their space programs toward space militarization as part of their strategic efforts to protect orbital assets. Advancing space robotics and orbital sustainability, the nation is ready to meet the challenges of militarized space while maintaining the security of its critical infrastructure. Beyond enhancing India’s military prowess, its space defense strategy also underscores its role as a global player in the space sector, reflecting the dual-use nature of space technology for application in security and closing economic gaps.
India’s startup ecosystem has turned out to be a hotbed of defense innovation. Programs that foster defense innovation hubs, technology development funds, and public-private partnerships are enabling startups to lead the way in unmanned systems, stealth tech, and cyber warfare. Such startups are necessary to fill the gap between concept and deployment to keep India at the cutting edge of defense innovation and encourage an entrepreneurial spirit and a culture of technological excellence.
India’s defence capabilities are advanced by academic institutions. Unlocking the nation's brightest minds, collaborative research programs, Centres of Excellence and partnerships with the defence sector are providing research opportunities. India is developing a pipeline of innovators for defence excellence by nurturing talent in fields such as quantum technology, photonics, and AI.
India’s vision of defense self-reliance resides in innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. The country is ready to take global defense to the next level through investments, policies that promote novel technologies, and a pledge to nurture talent. India is ensuring the scalability, resilience, and inclusivity of its defense strategy by integrating startups, MSMEs, and large industries into a cohesive ecosystem.
