DEFENCE DEVELOPMENTS IN 2024 – YEAR END REVIEW

Defence Developments in 2024 – year end review

NEWS: Defence Developments in 2024

 

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

Aatmanirbharta Push in Defence Sector

  1. India continued its focus on achieving self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta) in the defence sector by boosting domestic production capabilities.
  2. Defence exports reached new heights, expanding to 100 countries, marking significant progress in global arms trade participation.
  3. Efforts intensified to address capability deficiencies in the armed forces, aiming to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
  4. The year witnessed recalibration of strategic defence ties with key nations to ensure greater strategic autonomy in decision-making.

Breakthrough in India-China Relations

  1. The standoff between India and China, triggered by the Galwan Valley clash in 2020, was resolved on October 21, ending a four-year impasse.
  2. This resolution lowered tensions between the two Asian giants, creating an environment conducive to constructive engagement.
  3. The diplomatic breakthrough stood as a highlight of India’s multinational foreign policy, showcasing its ability to engage in peaceful resolution of conflicts.

Tech-Driven Modernisation of Armed Forces

  1. Improved relations with China provided the Ministry of Defence (MoD) breathing room to focus on triservice jointness without immediate threats at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Line of Control (LoC).
  2. The announcement for theaterisation of armed forces is anticipated in early 2025, further integrating operations of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
  3. Emphasis has been placed on preparing the armed forces for technology-driven future warfare, including advanced training and modern equipment acquisition.

India-Russia Defence Ties

  1. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to Moscow in December addressed critical supply chain disruptions caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

·         Expedient measures were discussed to ensure timely delivery of the remaining S-400 missile systems, Kamov helicopters, and Su-30MKI spares.

·         Talks focused on boosting Transfer of Technology (ToT) initiatives to indigenously maintain and develop key defence systems.

  1. India is actively pursuing the development of a 110 kN thrust engine for advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA) to reduce dependency on the US for aero-engine technology.
  2. Collaboration between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and GE Aviation is underway for the co-development of GE-414 engines for Tejas LCA Mk-2, following earlier success with GE-404 engines.

India’s Expanding Defence Exports

  1. India’s defence exports to the US grew substantially, accounting for over 50% of total exports and surpassing $2.8 billion in the past five years.
  2. The government is working to rebuild defence ties with neighbours like Sri Lanka and the Maldives to strengthen regional security.
  3. However, strained relations with Bangladesh remain a significant concern, requiring diplomatic attention.

Russia’s Reduced Defence Market Share

  1. Russia’s share in India’s defence imports dropped below 50% for the first time, constituting 36% of total imports, as per the SIPRI 2024 report.
  2. Western nations like France and the US capitalised on the reduced Russian influence, filling gaps in India’s defence procurement.
  3. Russia is keen to regain its global defence market share, which has been impacted severely by sanctions following the Ukraine conflict.

Focus on Military Diplomacy

  1. India is strategically targeting Africa and South America as potential markets for increasing its arms exports.
  2. The government plans to bring further defence reforms to simplify the tendering and acquisition processes, which remain lengthy and cumbersome.
  3. Streamlining policies will not only boost exports but also make India a competitive player in the global arms trade.

Indigenisation and Industry Collaboration

  1. The Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) underscored the government’s policy initiatives for indigenisation and ease of doing business in the defence sector.
  2. Enhanced collaboration between the Ministry of Defence, armed forces, and the domestic defence industry has played a pivotal role in integrating defence requirements with local manufacturing.
  3. These initiatives have strengthened India’s ability to meet its defence and security needs through self-reliant and indigenous solutions.

Source: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/2024-a-year-of-recalibration-of-defence-engagements/article69016388.ece