Lecture by Dr. Samir V. Kamat, DRDO on Technology Vision 2047

The Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA), organised a lecture by Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), under the Eminent Persons Lecture Series on 3 July 2024. The theme of his talk was “Technology Vision 2047”. The event was chaired by Ambassador Sujan R. Chinoy, Director General, MP-IDSA. Scholars of the Institute were in attendance.

Executive Summary

Dr. Samir V. Kamat discussed the transition driven by rapid technological advancements and disruptive technologies that are transforming warfare in the present multipolar world. He highlighted India’s strategic potential to impact the technology landscape and stressed the importance of preparedness for emerging conflicts. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) plays a pivotal role in this, supported by academia and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Dr. Kamat outlined progress in various defence sectors, including missile systems, armoured vehicles, and aeronautics, while acknowledging challenges such as semiconductor production and the need for global supply chain integration. He also emphasised initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India to boost self-reliance and technological innovation, with a focus on next-generation platforms and advanced technologies. Despite current R&D spending challenges, efforts are underway to increase private sector involvement and foster a risk-taking culture to drive innovation.

Detailed Report

The Director General, Ambassador Sujan R. Chinoy delivered his opening remarks by introducing Dr. Samir V. Kamat.

Dr. Samir V. Kamat started his lecture by highlighting the significant transformation from a unipolar to a multi-polar world order which is accompanied by an accelerating rate of technological change and the emergence of disruptive technologies, which are reshaping the nature of warfare. Dr. Kamat emphasised that India is strategically positioned to influence the evolving technology landscape, necessitating a focused approach to emerging technological domains. The accelerating rate of evolution of disruptive technologies, particularly in cyber and information domain, are reshaping modern combat, underscoring the need for preparedness before the rise of any major conflicts.

The defence research and development (R&D) landscape is primarily driven by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), with significant support from academia and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Dr. Kamat highlighted the role of the DRDO and its responsibility to design and development of defence systems, which are subsequently produced by Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) or private industries through Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreements.

India’s defence sector encompasses a broad spectrum of systems, including ballistic missiles, armoured vehicles, artillery, small arms, and advancements in aerospace and aeronautics. Significant progress has been made in various technological domains within the defence sector. In missile systems, the development of surface-to-air and cruise missiles, including the Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW), alongside advanced anti-tank missile systems and multi-barrel rocket systems, highlight the strides in enhancing defence capabilities. For armoured vehicles and land systems, innovations include the creation of lightweight single-span mountain footbridges (MFB) and 46-meter MLC-70 modular bridges, as well as lightweight advanced infantry floating footbridges and various military bridging systems and land-based platforms

In aeronautics, the development of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk-IA has been a key focus, along with DRDO Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&CS).  However, challenges remain, particularly in semiconductor device production and the need for investment in critical material processing facilities. Additionally, Dr. Kamat stressed that integrating into the global supply chain is crucial for economic viability and reducing reliance on imports. The infantry weapons segment has seen the development of the JVPC 9mm machine pistol, multi-mode hand grenades, and 40mm Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL) grenades. Additionally, indigenous replacement programs for existing munitions, including anti-tank and artillery ammunition, are being pursued to enhance self-reliance in defence supplies.

In alignment with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and a leader in defence technology, initiatives such as ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’and ‘Make in India’ are being vigorously pursued. These include enhancing technological capabilities through initiatives like the Defence Production Partner concept and fostering collaboration with industries for design, development, and production. Streamlining technology transfers and modifying policies to alleviate royalty burdens are part of this vision. Efforts to increase capacity through partnerships with educational institutions and promote innovation via contests and funding are underway, with a focus on developing complex systems and disruptive technologies.

Dr. Kamat emphasised prioritising next-generation platforms like advanced combat aircraft, high-endurance autonomous underwater vehicles, and future-ready combat vehicles, along with next-gen weapons and sensors such as long-range precision strike capabilities, laser and microwave weapons, and advanced propulsion technologies. Balancing speed and accuracy in new technologies and emphasising space and satellite technologies for defence are key future challenges and opportunities. Overall, the lecture outlined India’s strategic direction in defence technology, highlighting achievements, challenges, and plans for innovation, collaboration, and capacity building.

Dr. Kamat mentioned that significant progress has been made in various technological domains, including the development of the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and electric propulsion system for ships. Efforts are also focused on enhancing underwater domain awareness and networked systems to bolster maritime security. In addition, there is a concerted push towards improving space situational awareness and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), with particular emphasis on space-based ISR capabilities. Cyber capabilities and secure communication technologies, such as quantum communication, are also being prioritised.

Key areas of focus in research and development include Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), quantum technologies encompassing communication, sensing, and computing, as well as cognitive and anti-stealth technologies. Efforts are also being directed towards hypersonic missile defence and directed energy weapons, alongside advancements in materials and manufacturing processes, including post-quantum cryptography. He further stated that initiatives have been undertaken to establish laboratories for young scientists to foster innovation within a start-up culture. This includes collaboration with academia and industry to develop cutting-edge technologies. Additionally, the establishment of industry-academia centres of excellence aim to advance domain-specific technologies. Projects within these centres are reaching maturity and transitioning to the industry, positioning them for market readiness. A notable achievement has been the significant reduction in the weight of bulletproof jackets while maintaining their protective capabilities. In addition of this, new facilities are being developed for testing hypersonic vehicles, drones, and other advanced systems, ensuring comprehensive evaluation and refinement of these technologies.

Despite challenges such as low research and development (R&D) spending (currently at 0.65 percent of GDP) compared to other countries, strategies are being implemented to increase private sector involvement in R&D. There is also a push to cultivate a risk-taking mindset to drive innovation and establish leadership in technology. However, for the private sector to effectively engage in risk-taking, improved government policies are necessary and at present, there is a strong emphasis on shifting mindsets to embrace and learn from failures. While challenges exist, there is an optimistic outlook towards achieving the set goals through the right strategies and support mechanisms.

Questions and Comments

The main questions posed addressed various aspects of advancing India’s defence sector. Key areas included enhancing education in defence laboratories for better implementation of advanced techniques and identifying primary focus areas for disruption in defence technology, including understanding adversaries’ capabilities. Strategies for becoming a leading defence exporter, like emulating successful countries, were discussed, along with measures to boost private sector participation and fostering investment. Emphasis was placed on offering high-quality or cost-effective solutions, driving innovation, and necessary mindset changes to lead in defence technology. Strategic planning to meet demands, build global competitiveness, and improve collaborations was deemed essential. Also that, leveraging India’s economic status for global defence positioning and focusing on potential disruptions in defence technologies are crucial. Further, enhancing geopolitical influence to boost exports, addressing current production gaps, and improving private sector participation were emphasised.

In his concluding remarks, Dr. Samir V. Kamat spoke on issues surrounding hypersonic technology and its distinct challenges. While hypersonic glide vehicles are relatively easier to intercept due to their predictable trajectory, hypersonic cruise missiles, capable of manoeuvrability, pose a greater threat. In the realm of manufacturing, 3D printing is advancing rapidly, with a focus on metal powders, though limitations in component size persist. He also stated that biotechnology, primarily applied to biodefence, has limited relevance in this context. Engine technology has seen improvements with single crystal turbine blades, but integration challenges remain. According to Dr. Kamat, material science necessitates advanced materials for enhanced performance, requiring collaborative efforts.

Dr. Kamat emphasised that government support is essential for managing the inherent risks of emerging technologies and fostering innovation within the expanding startup ecosystem. The discussion highlighted the need to advance domestic defence capabilities and emphasised the need to develop advanced platforms, encourage innovation, and increase private sector participation in defence research and development despite current challenges.

The report has been prepared by Dr. Shayesta Nishat Ahmed, Research Analyst, Defence Economics and Industry Centre, MP-IDSA.