SYNOPSIS FOR GROUP PRESENTATION (SYNDICATE-I)

“ATMANIRBHARTA IN MILITARY APPLICATION OF

SPACE AND MILITARY AVIATION”

INTRODUCTION

1. ‘Atmanirbharta’ is a Sanskrit term that translates to "self-reliance" in English. It

refers to the concept of a nation or entity being self-sufficient and not overly dependent
on foreign or external. sources, particularly in the economic, technological, and strategic
aspects. The 'Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ or the 'Self-Reliant India Mission’, is a
program introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This initiative, launched in 2020,
has been instrumental in steering India towards a more self-sufficient and resilient
future. India, with its diverse geopolitical challenges and security concerns, has long
recognized the significance of a self-reliant defense sector, particularly in the realm of
military aviation. The quest for ‘Atmanirbharta’, or self-sufficiency, in military aviation has
been a pivotal aspect of India's national security strategy.

AIM

2. To present the essence of ‘Atmanirbharta’ and its application in space and

military aviation in the form of a group presentation for the audience comprising
Instructors, ladies and Course Officers.

SCOPE

3. The scope of the presentation is limited to prospects of IAF in space and military
aviation in 21st century.

BACKGROUND

3. The concept of ‘Atmanirbharta’ in India dates back to ages of Ramayan and

Mahabharat, wherein we find the mention of ‘Pushpak Viman’, ‘Brahmastra’ and many
other weapons and platforms. The same legacy continues even during the Maurayan
empire in fourth century BC and further lasting to as late as 19th century AD. However,
this advent suddenly came to a halt, ones India came under British rule. Modern India's
defence industrialization went through five phases post-independence, viz. Self-
sufficiency (until 1960’s) to Self-reliance (1960-1990) followed by the ‘Liberalization-
Privatization-Globalization’ at the end of the last millennium, and finally the concept of
‘Make in India’ (2014-2019) to Atmanirbharta, at present.

NECESSITY OF ‘ATMANIRBHARTA’

4. Strong and self-reliant Military is the backbone of a Sovereign nation. Hence,

‘Atmanirbharta’ in Military-cum-space applications in general and military aviation in
particular is crucial for India under following reasons:-
 (a) Strategic Independence. Developing indigenous capabilities in these
sectors ensures that India is not dependent on other countries for critical defense
technology, reducing vulnerabilities and the risk of embargoes during conflicts.

(b) National Security. Self-reliance enhances national security by ensuring

the availability of cutting-edge military aviation and space assets during times of
crisis or conflicts.

(c) Economic Factors. Developing domestic capabilities can often lead to

development of an industrial ecosystem which not only creates employment
opportunities in long run but also boosts the economy of the country. It also
results in more cost-effective solutions in the long run, as it reduces reliance on
expensive imports and licensing fees. Recently liberalised policies of the
government iro Foreign Direct Investment are aimed at this very aspect of
domestic capability enhancement. The private firms are also exposed to global
competition and provides them with much necessary experience.

(d) Technological Advancement. Investing in research and development in

space and military aviation will lead to technological advancements that has
civilian applications, benefiting the overall economy and technological
infrastructure.

(e) Export Opportunities. Self-reliance can also lead to the development of

products and technologies that can be exported, potentially boosting the Indian
defense and aerospace industry.

(f) Geopolitical Considerations. The defense and space sectors are highly
sensitive and closely tied to national sovereignty. Relying on foreign suppliers
can expose a nation to geopolitical pressures and can have an adverse effect
during crisis/war.

(g) Innovation and Skill Development. Self-reliance drives innovation and

helps in the development of a highly skilled workforce in these sectors, which is
essential for staying competitive in the global arena.

5. Achieving atmanirbharta in military aviation and space applications is a

challenging and long-term endeavor that requires substantial investment, collaboration
with the private sector, continuous innovation along with political intend. It also
necessitates a balance between indigenous development and international partnerships
when necessary.

PRESENT SCENARIO

6. The quest for ‘Atmanirbharta’, or self-sufficiency, in military aviation has been a

pivotal aspect of India’s National Security Strategy and is also one of the National
Military objectives. Steps that are being taken to bolster indigenous capabilities and
reduce its foreign dependency with respect to space and military aviation technologies
are as follows: -

(a) R&D in Space Technology. Department of Space has taken up an

initiative named ‘Antariksha mein Atmanirbharta’ to welcome the pioneering
efforts of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), public sector
 undertakings (PSUs), private firms, start-ups, and various other entities towards
contribution to India's Space Programme. The recent announcement by the
Finance Minister of the 20 Lakh for greater participation of the private enterprise
in the space sector has been an extremely promising initiative in this context. The
Satellite Navigation system NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) and the
GSAT series communication satellites are a few major milestones achieved, in
the recent past.

(b) R&D in Military Aviaton. The development of indigenous aircraft ‘Tejas’

along with further development of twin engine Tejas MKII, and the experience
earned is being used in designing fifth gen ac 'AMCA'. Aeronautical Development
Establishment (ADE) is into a relentless expedition of designing and development
of multiple variants and types of unmanned and remotely piloted aerial vehicles
like ‘Ulka’ (UCAV), 'Kapothaka’, ‘Lakshya’, 'Rustam’, etc.

(c) PPP and Skill-development in the field of Space and Military aviation.
India’s pursuit of ‘Atmanirbharta’ in the field of space and military aviation extends
beyond government agencies to encompass public-private partnerships and an
often-overlooked aspect of skill development in this field.

CHALLENGES

7. However, the road to the capability of self-reliance in the field of military aviation
is not free of challenges. They are enumerated below:-

(a) Lack of indigenous turbojet, turbofan, turboprop, wankel and other

aeroengines for manned and unmanned aircraft.

(b) Need for high altitude testing facility for developing and testing aero-
engine and other aeronautics technologies.

(c) Need for dedicated testing sites for private sector to enhance its
involvement in the design, development, testing and manufacturing of manned
and unmanned aircraft.

(d) Need for domestic manufacturing of critical electronics equipment,

sensors, payloads and components to reduce vulnerabilities.

(e) Need for civil drone R&D programs to develop enabling technologies to
facilitate integration of drones and Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) in
the national airspace.

(f) Limited capability in terms of payload launch capacity into the space.

(g) Need for major investment in Indian space industry.

(h) There is a need for capital financial funding to fund DPSU, DRDO and
other R&D in military aviation. Involvement of private sectors for the same must
be taken into consideration.

WAY AHEAD
8. Towards attainment of complete self-reliance or ‘Atmanirbharta’, following are the
envisaged ways ahead in the domain of space:-

(a) Enhanced satellite network. India can further expand its constellation
of satellites, focusing on advanced communication, reconnaissance, and earth
observation capabilities. This includes deploying more dedicated military
satellites for real time data sharing and battlefield awareness.

(b) Anti-Satellite Technology. Continuing research in ASAT technology

will be crucial to protect its space assets and deter potential threats from
adversaries. India can also explore the development of space-based ASAT
capabilities.

(c) Integrated BMC3 Indian defence forces need an integrated Battle

management Command Control and Communication for tracking and identifying
anti satellite weapons, providing com jammers and sensor to overpower
spacecrafts.

(c) Quantum key distribution. QKD relies on the unique properties of

quantum mechanics to enable secure communication between earth stations.
QKD enables each earth station to compute the same key based on exchanged
signals that are otherwise impossible to intercept without detection. This will
ensure a secure space communication.

(d) Cybersecurity and Space. As the reliance on space assets grows,

threats will be imperative.

9. Proposals on the same in the domain of military aviation are as follows: -

(a) Advanced Fighter aircraft. India should continue investing in the

development and production of advanced fighter aircraft. This includes the
ongoing improvement of the Tejas program and exploring AMCA.

(b) Unmanned aerial system. The use of UAS for surveillance,

reconnaissance and combat roles become more prominent. India can develop
advanced drones for various military applications.

(c) Stealth technology. Developments of stealth technology is a must

have towards development of of 5th Gen Aircraft.

(d) Complete Transfer of technology in future procurements.

(e) Indigenization of helicopters and transport aircraft.

Remarks of Directing Staff