India unveiled a new list of 98 military hardware items, encompassing complex systems, sensors, weapons, and ammunition. These items are slated to be exclusively procured from domestic sources following an import ban, implemented on a staggered timeline. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh revealed the details of this fifth positive indigenisation list at the 'Swavlamban 2.0' seminar hosted by the Indian Navy.

Among the key items in this list are futuristic infantry combat vehicles, remotely piloted airborne vehicles with a range of up to 25 km and a 2 kg payload for the Army, shipborne unmanned aerial systems, medium upgrade low endurance class tactical drones, next-generation low-level light radar for the Army, and electro-optic fire control systems for naval platforms.

Additionally, the list includes crucial components such as armor plates for the Mi-17 helicopter's cabin nose section, multifunction aviation ground equipment for the Air Force, gravity rollers for the Mi-17 V5 helicopter, and flares for the P-8I and MiG 29-K aircraft.

This latest "positive indigenisation list" builds upon the previous four lists, which collectively featured 411 military items. Separately, the Department of Defence Production announced four positive indigenisation lists comprising 4,666 items, including line replacement units, sub-systems, spares, and components for Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs).

During the seminar, 75 technologies with applications in various military hardware, such as underwater swarm drones, autonomous weaponised boat swarms, and fire fighting systems, were showcased. These technologies were committed to development by the Indian Navy in the previous year, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. At the event, Minister Singh also launched 76 challenges for the industry under the 10th Defence India Start-up Challenges (DISC 10) and DISC 10 PRIME of Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX).

Furthermore, Singh unveiled the updated "Indigenisation Roadmap ? Swavlamban 2.0" for the Indian Navy and introduced two 'INDUS-X challenges' under 'INDUS-X Mutual Promotion of Advanced Collaborative Technologies.' These challenges, jointly finalised by iDEX and the Department of Defence (DoD) of the US, aim to enhance strategic technology partnerships and defense industrial cooperation between the startup ecosystems, businesses, and academic institutes of both nations.

During his address, Minister Singh emphasised India's historical self-reliance in knowledge and innovation. He highlighted the government's initiatives, such as the 'Vocal for Local' campaign, which aimed to restore respect for local goods and empower the country's youth. Singh stressed the importance of careful assessment of technology challenges to ensure their relevance and viability in the current market, emphasising the need for an effective analysis mechanism involving the Department of Defence Production, Defence Research and Development Organisation, and the armed forces.

Additionally, Singh launched the SBI NAVeCash Card, a unique dual-chip debit card developed by the State Bank of India (SBI) and the Indian Navy. This card allows both online and offline transactions, providing a cashless solution for Navy personnel even during voyages at sea, aligning with the vision of a digital India with seamless financial transactions.

Source: Indiatimes