Two recent decisions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who have always strived to increase the power of India’s armies, have given concrete indications towards turning the power balance in South Asia in the direction of turning the power balance in India. On the one hand, a historic deal has been made for the purchase of 97 Tejas MK-1A fighter aircraft from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), on the other hand, a improvement package of Rs 69,725 crore has been announced in shipbuilding and maritime infrastructure. Both decisions together can prove to be a new height to India’s defense self -reliance and strategic autonomy.
Strategic importance of Tejas deal
Let us tell you that this is the largest indigenous fighter aircraft deal ever. Earlier in February 2021, 83 Tejas MK-1A aircraft had a contract for Rs 46,898 crore, which is to be delivered between 2024-28. The new deal includes 68 single-seek fighters and 29 trainer aircraft, including 67 additional components such as Uttam AESA radar, self-defense armor electronic warfare suit and indigenous controller Act. More than 64% of this will be manufactured with indigenous technology.
This agreement, just before the retirement of the old MiG-21 fleet of IAF, will play an important role in maintaining the operations of the Air Force. Let us tell you that currently India has only 29 squadrons left, while the authorized number is 42.5. Pakistan has 25 squadrons and China has four times their number from India. In such a situation, this big order of Tejas is not only an attempt to fill the number, but is an investment of long -term warfast.
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Along with this, the US company General Electric (GE) has also ensured a deal of 113 F-404 engine, which will stabilize the production cycle. HAL has assured to increase the production capacity from 20 to 24-30 aircraft per year. From this it can be expected that the numerical shortage of the Air Force will gradually be fulfilled.
Ship construction and maritime infrastructure reform
In addition, the same important decision is the same in the shipbuilding sector of a reform package of Rs 69,725 crore in the defense point of view. It has been called “Mother of Heavy Engineering”, as it will not only increase ship -making capacity but will also protect energy, food and strategic supply chains. The special thing is that for the first time after independence, a government has given such a huge help to the shipbuilding sector. There are four pillars in this scheme –
Shipbuilding Financial Assistant Scheme (SBFAS): Under this, assistance of Rs 24,736 crore will be given which will continue till 2036.
Maritime Development Fund (Rs 25,000 crore): This includes an investment fund of 20,000 crore and an interest incentive fund of Rs 5,000 crore.
Shipbuilding Development Scheme (Rs 19,989 crore): Under this, a target to increase domestic capacity to 4.5 million gross tannage.
Legal and policy reforms: Under this, large shipbuilding clusters, insurance aid and Bharat Ship Technology Center will be established.
It is estimated that 30 lakh jobs will be generated and investment of Rs 4.5 lakh crore will be attracted. This will not only progress in commercial shipbuilding but will also ensure availability of indigenous warships and supply ships for the Navy.
Self -sufficiency and regional power balance
If we look at the combined effect of these two initiatives, it will surely give a new direction to India’s defense self -reliance. Tejas deal gives the message that India will not allow its air power to be completely dependent on foreign imports. Although foreign cooperation is mandatory for engines and some weapons systems at the moment, the level of self-sufficiency is gradually increasing.
At the same time, India will strengthen its position in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) with the improvement reform. China is constructing naval bases to Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Africa as part of the “String of Pearls” strategy. In comparison, India will have to strengthen its blue water navy. New schemes will be helpful in this direction.
Challenges and possibilities
However, the path of self -sufficiency is not easy. The history of the Tejas project has been filled with delays and technical hurdles. The Air Force has also repeatedly stated that “lack of number cannot be torn in the name of self-sufficiency”. Whether the delivery of Tejas will be done on time and quality, this is the biggest question.
At the same time, capital investment, high -tech and global competition are also big challenges in the shipbuilding sector. China is already the world’s largest shipbuilder. India will not only have to meet domestic requirements but also compete in the international market.
If seen, Tejas deal and ship -making reforms can prove to be a milestone in India’s defense and strategic capabilities. These steps will not only increase employment and technological innovation but will also establish India as a “net security provider”. Shakti balance in South Asia is still tilted in favor of China, but these decisions will strengthen India’s position and increase confidence with strategic autonomy in the future. Overall, it is a new chapter of the defense sector of self-reliant India, whose success will depend on timely implementation and political-smooth firmness.