India pauses self-reliance in defence manufacture as it turns back to international OEMs
The Indian Navy operates 12 P-8I multi-mission aircraft but requires at least six more. (Photo: Indian Navy)
Maritime security concerns has led India to delay its pursuit of self-reliance in defence manufacturing and procurement as it makes urgent orders from international OEMs due to maritime security concerns.
India’s self-proclaimed mantra of ‘self-reliance’ must be put on hold temporarily as the country awaits the roll out of indigenous, war-ready defence equipment
International OEMs have seen small add-on orders made on an urgent basis as the military awaits Indian alternatives.
“India is the loser as volume buys make for better prices,” a senior Indian defence official said.
Boeing Defense, Space and Security has been one such beneficiary. China’s act of placing submarines in the Asia-Pacific has antagonised India and has led to maritime security concerns.
The Indian Navy’s (IN’s) 12 P-8I multi-mission aircraft – used by IN for long-range,
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Indo Pacific 2025: Australian Defence Force sets its sights on autonomy]()
Indo Pacific 2025: Australian Defence Force sets its sights on autonomy
Multiple autonomous systems and technologies were on display at this year’s Indo Pacific, but questions remain over how the Australian Department of Defence will balance the books.
-
![How the UK Royal Navy is powering up its hybrid fleet to combat new threats]()
How the UK Royal Navy is powering up its hybrid fleet to combat new threats
Since it announced its move towards a new “hybrid navy” earlier this year, the force has announced a number of new uncrewed technologies in the works.
-
![US and UK to begin Trident II D5 Increment 8 in October 2026]()
US and UK to begin Trident II D5 Increment 8 in October 2026
Trident II D5 Increment 8 will involve improvements to the shipboard navigation subsystem for the US Ohio and Columbia and the UK Dreadnought and Vanguard submarine classes.
-
![US Navy starts acquisition process for uncrewed maritime systems for support missions]()
US Navy starts acquisition process for uncrewed maritime systems for support missions
The USN is interested in uncrewed capabilities that can carry out explosive ordnance disposal, mine countermeasures, force protection, ISR and anti-submarine missions.
-
![What capabilities has the US deployed in the Caribbean and South America to engage “drug boats”?]()
What capabilities has the US deployed in the Caribbean and South America to engage “drug boats”?
The US arsenal includes amphibious assault and littoral combat ships, cutters, destroyers, landing platform docks, a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, drones, ISR aircraft, helicopters and fighters.
-
![HMS Agamemnon: details of the dive and what the Astute-class signifies for the UK Royal Navy]()
HMS Agamemnon: details of the dive and what the Astute-class signifies for the UK Royal Navy
As HMS Agamemnon moves closer towards joining the UK’s in-service submarine fleet, how does the sixth Astute-class fit into the Royal Navy’s defence strategy?
