Recently, the Indian Army green-lit five Project Sanction Orders (PSOs) under the Make-II protocol of defence procurement. These PSOs will encourage the local industry in developing innovative technology solutions. The Make II project, a crucial part of this, is an industry-funded initiative aimed at the design, development, and introduction of innovative solutions by Indian vendors for prototype development. Currently, 22 out of 43 such projects are in their prototype development stage.
The Latest Additions to the Make II Project
The most recent inclusions to the Make II project are High Frequency Man Packed Software Defined Radios (HFSDR), Drone Kill Systems, Infantry Training Weapon Simulator (IWTS), Medium Range Precision Kill Systems (MRPKS), and 155 mm Terminally Guided Munitions (TGM).
HFSDRs will replace existing high-frequency radio sets with obsolete technology. The upgraded, lightweight HFSDRs are designed to improve long-distance radio communication through enhanced data capability and bandwidth, along with improved security measures. On the other hand, the Drone Kill System serves as an anti-drone system with functionality across various terrains, both during the day and night.
The IWTS stands as the first triservice Make-II project with the Army as the lead agency. The MRPKS, which can ‘loiter’ in the air for up to two hours and can acquire, designate and engage real-time high-value targets up to 40 km once launched, is another exciting addition.
The ‘Make’ Category of Capital Acquisition Explained
The ‘Make’ category of capital acquisition forms the basis of the Make in India initiative, aiming to create indigenous capabilities through engagement with both the public and private sectors. ‘Make-I’ refers to government-funded projects, while ‘Make-II’ includes industry-funded programmes.
Make-I participates in the development of significant platforms such as light tanks and communication equipment with Indian security protocols, while Make-II involves prototype development or upgrade of military hardware for import substitution without any government funding. There’s also a ‘Make-III’ sub-category covering military hardware that may not be designed and developed indigenously but can be manufactured locally for import substitution.
Other Measures to Promote Domestic Production of Defence Equipment
Several other initiatives are underway to boost the domestic production of defence equipment. These include Defence Industrial Corridors, Corporatization of the Ordnance Factory Boards, the Defence India Startup Challenge, the draft Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy 2020, Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), and Mission Raksha Gyan Shakti.
About Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)
The THAAD is an American anti-missile system designed to intercept and destroy short and medium-range ballistic missiles in their terminal phase of flight. It can intercept missile inside and outside the atmosphere, making it highly mobile and deployable worldwide.
The Future of Foreign Direct Investment in the Defence Sector
There’s a proposed liberalization of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the defence sector. Such a move is expected to impact India’s defence capabilities and the economy positively, both in the short and long term.
S-400 Air Defence System’s Technical Superiority
The S-400 air defence system is technically superior to any other system currently available globally. Its superior technology and overall functionality make it a highly effective defence system.