The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has recently signed contracts worth Rs 10,147 crore to boost the firepower of the Indian Army. These contracts involve the indigenously developed PINAKA Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). The agreements were made with Economic Explosives Limited (EEL) and Munitions India Limited (MIL) for advanced munitions. Additionally, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) will provide software upgrades for the system.
Details of the Contracts
The contracts include procurement of Area Denial Munition (ADM) Type-1 and High Explosive Pre-Fragmented (HEPF) Mk-1 rockets. The ADM Type-1 features a specialised warhead that disperses sub-munitions over a wide area. This capability is aimed at targeting mechanised forces and denying access to specific zones. The HEPF Mk-1 rockets offer enhanced precision and longer range, enabling deep strikes into enemy territory.
Impact on Indian Army’s Capabilities
These new munitions will modernise the Artillery Rocket Regiments. The MoD has stated that this procurement will enhance the Indian Army’s firepower, allowing for precise and long-range strikes. The upgrades are expected to play important role in improving operational effectiveness.
Indigenous Development and Employment Generation
The MoD emphasised the importance of these projects in strengthening national defence capabilities. They also highlight the potential for direct and indirect employment generation. The contracts encourage the Indian micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sector through components manufacturing. This aligns with the government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, promoting self-reliance in defence production.
Future Developments in PINAKA System
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed flight tests for the guided PINAKA MLRS. This has extended the system’s range to over 75 kilometres. Currently, the Indian Army operates four PINAKA regiments, with plans for six more. Future enhancements include developing extended-range versions, aiming to reach ranges of 120 km or more.
Additional Artillery Developments
The Indian Army is also looking to procure 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) platforms, estimated at Rs 8,000 crore. The ATAGS, developed by DRDO in collaboration with Bharat Forge and Tata Group, aims to modernise artillery capabilities. The finalisation of this contract is expected by March 2025.
Strategic Defence Modernisation
The contracts represent a very important step in modernising India’s defence infrastructure. They reflect a strategic approach to enhancing capabilities while promoting indigenous industries. The focus on self-reliance in defence production is a key aspect of India’s broader security strategy.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss the significance of indigenisation in India’s defence sector in the context of recent contracts signed by the Ministry of Defence.
- Critically examine the role of the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System in enhancing the operational capabilities of the Indian Army.
- Explain the implications of the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative on India’s defence procurement policies.
- With suitable examples, discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by the Indian micro, small, and medium enterprises in defence manufacturing.
Answer Hints:
1. Discuss the significance of indigenisation in India’s defence sector in the context of recent contracts signed by the Ministry of Defence.
- Indigenisation reduces dependency on foreign arms, enhancing national security.
- Recent contracts for the PINAKA MLRS and munitions promote local manufacturing capabilities.
- Boosts the Indian economy by creating jobs in the MSME sector.
- Aligns with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, encouraging self-reliance in defence.
- Encourages technological advancements through collaborations between DRDO and private firms.
2. Critically examine the role of the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System in enhancing the operational capabilities of the Indian Army.
- ATAGS provides advanced firepower with its 155mm calibre and high mobility.
- It is designed for quick deployment and can fire multiple rounds in a short time.
- Enhances precision and range, crucial for modern warfare strategies.
- Facilitates integration with existing artillery systems for improved operational synergy.
- Indigenous development reduces costs and enhances maintenance efficiency.
3. Explain the implications of the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative on India’s defence procurement policies.
- Encourages domestic production, reducing reliance on imports and foreign technology.
- Promotes investment in local industries, encouraging innovation and competitiveness.
- Shifts procurement policies to prioritize indigenous suppliers and MSMEs.
- Supports strategic autonomy in defence decisions and capabilities.
- Enhances job creation and economic growth in the defence sector.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by the Indian micro, small, and medium enterprises in defence manufacturing.
- Challenges include limited access to capital and technology compared to larger firms.
- Regulatory hurdles can impede MSMEs from entering the defence sector effectively.
- Opportunities arise from government initiatives promoting local manufacturing and procurement.
- Partnerships with larger defence firms can enhance capabilities and market reach.
- Growing demand for indigenous products offers market potential.
