In a move that can be seen as an encouragement for the private sector to enter defence innovation, the defence ministry has asked innovators to step forward with transformative ideas in defence applications. The motive is to make India an innovation and technology hub and one of the strongest countries in the world in the field of defence modernisation.
The government has not only invited private players to just participate but have also encouraged them to instead take a lead in the defence sector, at the same time assuring government’s full support and assistance.
The announcement was made by Rakhsa Mantri Rajnath Singh when he was addressing scientists, industry leaders, academia, start-ups, MSMEs and young entrepreneurs during Twaral, a DRDO-Industry Workshop on Defence Technology Acceleration organised at DRDO Bhawan in New Delhi on October 18, 2024.
Singh stated at the occasion that new dimensions have been added to modern-day warfare such as drones, cyber warfare, bio-weapons and space defence. In this transformative phase, research and development in defence will definitely make the defence sector stronger, he said, adding that it is heartening to witness our scientists, industrialists, academia, start-ups, MSMEs and young entrepreneurs working together in this endeavour.
The Rakhsha Mantri further said that it is time for the private sector to take lead as it has the ability to absorb rapid changes and create new innovations.
Since the adoption of unconventional ideas, not yet known to the world, is the only way to progress in unconventional warfare, experts believe the move will encourage next generation of innovators and start-ups to come forward with transformative ideas for defence applications.
For the given project, Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme is providing up to 90% of the total project cost as grant support to eligible industries. The total support is up to Rs 50 crore, which the government believes is a good amount for any MSME and start-up to invest in defence research and development.
While the government expects through this project that the involvement of private sector will ensure, through timely assessment, that a technology does not become outdated when it is rolled out, it also calls for development of projects based on cutting edge tech, and devising a system of comprehensive scan within the scheme to avoid duplication of technologies.
