Aatm Nirbhar Bharat: Import of 780 more defense equipment and systems will stop, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh approved

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has approved a fresh list of 780 components and subsystems, which will be procured from domestic industry only after imports are banned within a time frame of six years. The third 'positive indigenization' list aims to reduce imports by Defense Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs).

The Ministry of Defense has set a specific time frame for the import ban of goods in the period from December 2023 to December 2028. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the third list of 780 Line Replacement Units with a time limit, after which they will be procured only from the domestic industry, the statement said.

This list is in continuation of two similar positive lists brought out in December 2021 and March 2022. The Defense Ministry has set a target of USD 25 billion (Rs 1.75 lakh crore) in business in defense manufacturing over the next five years, which includes exports of military hardware worth USD 5 billion.

Indigenization will be done under the 'Make' category

Indigenization of these items will be done through various routes under the 'Make' category, the ministry said. The 'Make' category aims at achieving self-reliance by involving greater participation of the Indian industry in defense manufacturing. The Indian Armed Forces are estimated to spend around US$130 billion in capital procurement over the next five years. The government has now decided to reduce dependence on imported military platforms and support domestic defense manufacturing.

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