Indian Defence Industry and Self-Reliance
What this domain tests
Indian Defence Industry and Self-Reliance tests public-sector units, procurement routes and the policies meant to reduce import dependence. Questions ask which organisation does what and how a private firm can participate.
Core rules
- DPSUs include HAL (aircraft), BEL (electronics and radar), BDL (missiles), BEML (earthmoving and vehicles), MDL and GRSE (warships), and HSL (submarines). The Ordnance Factory Board was corporatised in 2021 into seven defence public-sector companies.
- DRDO is a research and development organisation, not a mass manufacturer.
- Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy 2020 promotes indigenous design, production and exports.
- Positive indigenisation lists name items that must be procured from Indian sources after a notified date, with possible import exceptions.
- FDI in defence is allowed up to 74% through the automatic route in identified cases.
- iDEX supports startups and MSMEs; SRIJAN is a portal for indigenisation. Defence industrial corridors are in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
Worked example
A startup has a drone design for the Army. What route fits? Reasoning: it can apply to an iDEX challenge or a Make procedure, prototype with Service funding, and then compete for production. It should not assume DRDO will manufacture the drone; DRDO may mentor or certify technology.
Traps
Do not say HAL builds warships or that DRDO is a production agency. Do not confuse the positive indigenisation list with a total import ban on every item. Do not ignore the role of MSMEs and startups.