Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh has explained that India requires both IDDM (Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) projects and Make in India initiatives to achieve a balanced defence industrial base.

He emphasised that while IDDM ensures design sovereignty and technological independence, Make in India projects allow rapid capacity building through domestic assembly and production partnerships.

Singh clarified that India’s defence modernisation cannot rely solely on one approach. IDDM projects are essential for long-term technological self-reliance, ensuring that critical platforms such as fighter aircraft, tanks, and missile systems are fully designed and developed within India. This secures intellectual property, strengthens indigenous R&D, and prevents dependence on foreign suppliers for core technologies.

At the same time, Make in India projects provide immediate capability gains by encouraging domestic manufacturing of systems that may initially be designed abroad. Singh explained that this approach allows India to quickly expand its industrial base, create jobs, and build supply chains while gradually increasing indigenous content. Over time, these projects can evolve into full IDDM status as Indian firms acquire design expertise.

He highlighted that the phased approach is crucial because defence technology readiness levels vary across platforms. For example, while India has achieved significant progress in areas such as the Light Combat Aircraft TEJAS and Pinaka rocket systems, other advanced technologies like jet engines, long-range air defence systems, and certain naval platforms may require initial collaboration with foreign partners before full indigenisation.

Singh also pointed out that Make in India projects strengthen private sector participation by providing visibility of demand and easing entry barriers. This creates confidence among start-ups and established firms to invest in defence manufacturing.

He noted that Bangalore has emerged as a major hub for aerospace and defence production, with both public and private sector companies contributing to indigenous capability building.

The Defence Secretary stressed that both approaches are complementary rather than competing. IDDM projects represent the pinnacle of indigenous capability, while Make in India projects act as stepping stones that accelerate industrial growth and reduce import dependence. Together, they form the backbone of India’s defence indigenisation strategy.

He underlined that the government’s defence capital expenditure allocations and R&D investments are structured to support this dual-track approach.

The Defence Acquisition Procedure already prioritises IDDM projects, but also provides space for Make in India initiatives to ensure that immediate operational requirements are met without delay.

Singh concluded by stating that India’s strategic objective is to achieve design sovereignty in critical systems while simultaneously building a robust domestic manufacturing ecosystem. This balanced path will allow India to meet short-term capability needs while securing long-term technological independence.

Agencies