Indian Private Sector Allowed To Manufacture Fighter Aircraft, Submarines, Armored Vehicles

The Indian Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) today finalised the broad contours of a policy aimed at engaging the Indian private sector in the manufacture of high-tech defence equipment in India.

Under the policy, Indian industry partners would tie up with global OEMs to seek technology transfers and manufacturing know-how to set up domestic manufacturing infrastructure and supply chains.

The policy is expected to be implemented in a few selected segments to begin with, namely, fighter aircraft, submarines and armoured vehicles.

In future, additional segments may be added.  Appropriate institutional mechanisms will be set in place to implement the policy, an MOD release said today.

The policy is aimed at developing the defence industrial eco-system in the country through the involvement of major Indian corporates as well as small and medium enterprises.

The policy will  set Indian industry on the path to acquiring cutting-edge capabilities which will contribute to the building of self-reliance in the vital sector of national security requirements.

Currently, only public sector companies are allowed to manufacture major weapons platforms.