Make or buy? Experts call for bold reforms in India’s defence strategy

In one of the most critical discussions of THE WEEK Defence Conclave, the panel named "To Make or to Buy? How do the Services choose?" focused on the debate for creating a greater weapons manufacturing base and equipments indigenously. 

 

The session was moderated by R.K. Mathur, former Defence Secretary and former Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, who set the tone by raising a fundamental concern. He pointed out the burden and challenges of defence procurement to meet operational requirements more effectively.

 

Lieutenant General Rahul R. Singh, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (CD&S), echoed the strategic vision laid down by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh: India must become self-reliant in defence production. "There is no option but to make in India. It is about risk. He emphasized that officers who dare to take risks in procurement should be rewarded, not penalised," he said.

 

"Often, due to the fear of repercussions, decision-makers tend to choose safer options. Genuine sovereignty comes from self-reliance. Because full transfer of technology is a myth," he added.

 

Lt Gen A.D.S. Aujla, Master General of Sustenance in the Indian Army, provided a comprehensive perspective on sustaining combat operations. “We are taking a holistic view of operational preparedness,” he said. 

 

“Ammunition technology is changing the face of warfare,” Aujla added. Soldier-centric innovations and a refined logistics and transportation model are also being pursued to ensure combat effectiveness is enhanced at every level.

 

Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor (Retd), former Director General (Inspection & Safety) of the Indian Air Force, brought an aerospace perspective to the debate. He acknowledged the long-standing nature of the “make or buy” dilemma but emphasized that “Make in India” in aviation is particularly complex. 

 

Kapoor said that the Indian aircrafts have to go through different challenges. Our aircrafts, he said, must perform in extreme conditions—from flying at 25,000 feet in sub-zero temperatures over the Himalayas to withstanding blistering 60-degree heat in Rajasthan and then transitioning to marine environments. 

 

“These varied environmental challenges aren’t seen anywhere else in the world,” he said, "these places put immense stress on machines."

 

Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (PP&FD) said in his speech that we fight tomorrow’s wars with yesterday’s weapons. He added that if we need the latest technology, we can't manufacture it overnight. "That’s where the ‘buy and make’ balance becomes crucial. 

 

While describing the real time understanding of defence sector he said that India is still behind the curve. "When immediate operational needs arise, we have no choice but to buy—we can't wait. Making takes time, and while it has its advantages, it also comes with its limitations. Over the last three years, only two major contracts have been signed externally, which shows how much we've reduced imports," he said.

Defence