This issue of SP’s Land Forces coincides with the DefExpo 2020 and thus the lead article is on the nuts and bolts of ‘Make in India’ initiative pertaining to defence. ‘Make in India’ is a visionary initiative, mooted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi which identifies 25 key manufacturing sectors including defence. The aim is to boost domestic defence manufacturing and achieve self-reliance and strategic autonomy. The Government plans to make India a $5 trillion economy by 2025. Such economic growth requires foundational pillars of matching defence capabilities energised by a strong indigenous defence industrial base. The key to growth is sustained and evolved indigenisation programmes.

The lead article is followed up by an overview of India’s defence manufacturing base which includes the Defence PSUs and the private sector along with the initiatives carried out by the Government to boost the defence manufacturing base. Some key initiatives are Strategic Partnership Model; iDEX Initiative and Start-ups; and development of defence corridors. To harness the strength of private industry and to foster Government Private Sector partnership, DPP 2016 introduced the Strategic Partnership Model to develop strategic weapon systems. Strategic Partners from the private sector would be identified to become partners with the MoD in their deliberations under Government to Government negotiations with foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for collaboration in production. For iDEX, the Government has earmarked funds for innovations with the aim of trying to bring together innovators with public and private sector industry and the Armed Forces to find new technology solutions. Plans are also afoot to fund at least 250 defence startups over the next five years in seeking new technologies. The development of Defence Corridors is another key initiative to boost manufacture and encourage including by MSMEs. Two defence corridors are coming up, one in Uttar Pradesh and the other one in Tamil Nadu.

Modernisation is an ongoing process for any army and involves structural and hardware changes. The Indian Army is at the brink of structural changes with Integrated Battle Group planned to be formed after being tested in two corps – one in the east and one in the west. The hardware changes are being carried out slowly but steadily. Read all about this in an article on Army modernisation.

SP Guide Publications is proud to share that 7 articles by our journalists, in four categories, have been shortlisted for finals in the upcoming Aerospace Media Awards - Asia. These are the most prestigious awards in Aerospace Media and the number of nominations for finals, received by us, are amongst the highest by a publishing company, which includes global leaders and heavyweights. Details of the nominations can be seen on pages 8 and 9 inside.

This issue just about wraps up with the usual News Digest and flag postings.Your favourite defence publishing house – ‘SP Guide Publications’ will be at the DefExpo 2020 so if you are in Lucknow, do pay us a visit at Hall 3 Stall Q47.

Wish you happy reading and a Happy New Year!