The Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path on Sunday (January 26) was dominated by an effort to show off India’s indigenous technology and production prowess in defence. Whether it was Arjun main battle tank (MBT), LCA Tejas, or INS Visakhapatnam in the tableau of the Indian Ministry of Defence or the indigenously developed tactical missile ‘Pralay,’ capable of carrying nuclear warheads, the theme of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ was reflected in the majority of the demonstrations at the Republic Day parade.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) tableau, presented with the theme “Raksha Kavach – Multi-layer Protection against Multi-domain Threats,” took centre stage during the parade, showcasing a range of cutting-edge military technologies and equipment. The display featured an array of advanced systems, including the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile, the Airborne Early Warning and Control System, the 155 mm/52 Cal Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System, and a Drone Detect, Deter, and Destroy platform. Other highlights included a Satellite-Based Surveillance System, the Medium Power Radar ‘Arudhra,’ the Advanced Lightweight Torpedo, the Electronic Warfare System ‘Dharashakti,’ a Laser-Based Directed Energy Weapon, the Very Short Range Air Defence System, and an Indigenous Unmanned Aerial System.
Spectators were also thrilled by the V/UHF Manpack Software Defined Radio for Land Forces, an Indigenous Secure Satellite Phone, and the UGRAM Assault Rifle, all integral to DRDO’s mission to enhance national defence capabilities. Adding further emphasis to self-reliance and innovation, posters on the tableau at the Republic Day parade highlighted major achievements of 2024, such as the Long Range Hypersonic Anti-Ship Missile, the lightweight bulletproof jacket ‘Abhed,’ Divyastra—an advanced Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle system—’Zorawar’ Light Tank, and the upgraded Dornier aircraft featuring enhanced radar, electronic warfare systems, software-defined radio, and electro-optic technology.
The Nag Missile System, Pinaka, BrahMos, the 10-meter Short Span Bridging System, and the Akash Weapon System, were also prominently displayed in various Armed Forces contingents further reinforcing the theme of ‘atmanirbhar bharat’. The event was put in limelight – India’s commitment to precision engineering, self-reliance, and national security, reinforcing its alignment with the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
Leading the display were the BrahMos missile, a supersonic cruise missile system known for its precision and versatility, and the Pinaka multi-launcher rocket system, a force multiplier in battlefield scenarios. The BM-21 Agnibaan, a 122 mm Multiple Barrel Rocket Launcher, further demonstrated India’s robust firepower, while the Akash Weapon System, an indigenous surface-to-air missile system, highlighted the nation’s advancements in air defence technology.
Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Defence
Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) has emerged as a defining mission to enhance India’s capabilities in various sectors, with defence being a critical pillar. India has not only started building for itself but also made strides in exporting. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently said that India’s defence exports have crossed a record Rs 21,000 crore from Rs 2,000 crore a decade ago. The country targets now to take this figure to Rs 50,000 crore by the year 2029.
The defence sector’s transformation under Aatmanirbhar Bharat is fueled by initiatives such as the Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP), which aims to achieve a turnover of Rs 1.75 lakh crore ($25 billion) by 2025, including Rs 35,000 crore in exports. This is coupled with an emphasis on boosting domestic manufacturing through the indigenization of defence equipment and systems.
Landmark achievements underscore this vision. Indigenous systems such as the BrahMos missile, Pinaka multi-launcher rocket system, Akash Weapon System, and the Arudhra radar exemplify India’s technical ingenuity. The development of platforms like the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft and the Zorawar Light Tank reflects India’s capability to meet its defence requirements without external dependency.
In 2023, India banned the import of 411 defence items, further encouraging domestic production. Collaborations with private industries, start-ups, and academic institutions are playing a vital role in developing cutting-edge technologies like drones, hypersonic missiles, and electronic warfare systems. DRDO’s relentless focus on innovation has been central to this progress, establishing India as a trusted partner in the global defence ecosystem.
Beyond national security, these initiatives have far-reaching economic and strategic implications. A self-reliant defence sector reduces dependency on imports, fosters job creation, and strengthens India’s position as an exporter of advanced military equipment.
