Time To Step Up Defence Innovation & Modernization; Services Must Be The Primary Driving Force Behind All Defence R&D

Modernization is an inescapable and inexorable need of the defence forces in India. The thrust on technology and innovation is an imperative for both the establishment and industry. Instead of adopting a lead role in technological innovation in drone and anti- drone capability by virtue of the available expertise in IT, the country scrambled to hastily acquire even basic equipment. In the face of each crisis, the Armed Forces end up looking far and beyond and yet again initiate a complex cycle of procurement with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), mostly foreign. What is the way out then? The Indian Armed Forces must step into the role of the soldiers- scientist, taking ownership of the weaponry and technology that they depend on, to defend our country, writes Manish Kumar Jha.