India Strengthens Drone Production with Major Investment, Alarming China and Pakistan

### Quick Summary

– India plans to launch a USD 234 million (over Rs 2,000 crore) incentive program to bolster domestic drone manufacturing across civil and military sectors.
– The initiative will be led by the Ministry of Civil Aviation with support from the Ministry of defense.
– The three-year programme aims to produce drones, components, software, counter-drone technologies, and allied services while reducing dependence on imported parts.
– By 2028, India targets at least 40% local production of key drone components as part of this indigenisation effort.
– Increased focus stems from lessons learned during a four-day India-Pakistan conflict in May that featured widespread use of drones by both sides.

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### Indian Opinion Analysis

India’s decision to scale up domestic drone production signifies a strategic response to evolving global and regional security challenges, notably those involving advanced unmanned aerial vehicle technologies employed by adversaries like Pakistan and China. As drones play an increasingly decisive role in modern warfare strategies-including loitering munitions highlighted during recent cross-border conflicts-developing local capabilities can reduce dependence on imports while reinforcing national security.

Achieving the stated goal of locally producing at least 40% key drone components within five years will likely boost India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem under its “Atmanirbhar Bharat” vision and strengthen resilience against supply chain disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions.This plan also signals India’s commitment toward balancing economic self-reliance with military preparedness amidst rapid technological advancements globally.