Defense Collaboration: The Need of the Hour for India

Foreign investment is opted as the best way to attract huge investment in India. Well, this has been a best option in many fields. But the defense has shown a spurt in the investment. Several collaborations have been initiated after the defense has been opened for it.

In a major step towards the bulky defense manufacturing, Lockheed Martin, Sweden’s SAAB and Boeing are scouting to collaborate with India. The ultimate aim is to get into the 1 lakh Crore defense manufacturing market of India. The move was further strengthened after relaxation in FDI norms for defense.

Well, talking about the relaxed FDI norms, the FDI is extended up to 100%, by doing away in State of Arts condition. Previously, the norms were limited to the 49% under automatic routes and approvals are required for further extensions.

Similarly, TATA, which has emerged as a new defense manufacturing hunk in last few decades, has collaborated with Bell helicopters of US to make helicopters. The manufacturing will be under Make in India initiative. The deal will be for the training, R&D, assembly and maintenance and other facilities.

On the same line, Sukhoi and India had a long history of military conjunction. Sukhoi has given the best air support and fighting experience to the Indian Air Force. The jet has been listed among the best aircrafts of the world. Well, India is already going through a shortage of squadrons. The required number of squadrons is 42, while the current number of squadrons in the IAF is 33. Recently, India and Russia have resumed talks about the stalled project of fifth generation aircraft FGFA and upgrading the current Sukhoi 30 MKI into Super Sukhoi by integrating AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) Radars and Long-Range Standoff Missiles. Such projects are focused by the Indian Defense Department to reduce the dependence over Old Russian Mig aircrafts. Moreover, induction of Tejas and possible induction of Rafale in the future will further strengthen the IAF. The closest competitor Pakistan is also gearing up its air force with F-16 and other military weapons. Further, about 120 Tejas are expected to join the IAF and the delayed Rafale deal will be a great achievement for India. In a bit to enhance the capabilities, the 60 Mig and mirage will be upgraded.

The up gradation and foreign investment in the defense sector are very crucial for bolstering the Armed Forces to counter the rising power of China and Pakistan. Pakistan is expanding its weapon power with the help of the Chinese assistance and using the U.S. financial aid, which seems to be under trouble these days. Well, Russia, the all-weather friend of India and the emerging military relations with U.S, is the rise of the new era in Indian weapon field. Foreign investment has become a boon for Indian defense market. Further the engagement of Indian government with other small nations to provide them military weapons, has made a huge impact of India over small south Indian nations. These all conclude the bright future of the Indian defense arena.

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