The release of the Indian Radio Software Architecture standard marks an important step in India’s evolving approach to defence communication technologies.
The IAF and the IIT Bombay agreement to develop an indigenous, AI-driven maintenance model for the Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft is a meaningful step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat.
In the 21st century, power on the battlefield is no longer defined by size or legacy, but by speed of adaptation. The world’s most advanced militaries are no longer just acquiring weapons; they are absorbing innovation at the pace of disruption. Emerging Frontiers confronts one of the most urgent challenges facing armed forces today: how to integrate technologies never built for war but rapidly redefining it. AI, drones, quantum computing and cyber systems now emerge from private labs and startups, not defence PSUs or primes. The race is no longer just for firepower - it is for technological fluency.
The book delivers:
A clear foundation in emerging and disruptive technologies.
Comparative insights from innovation ecosystems in the US, Israel, Ukraine and India.
Profound lessons from contemporary conflicts - Russia- Ukraine, Armenia-Azerbaijan and Israel-Hamas.
A blueprint for reforming India’s defence innovation culture.
But more than that, it delivers a powerful argument: India’s armed forces must not just adopt technology - they must lead it. Absorption is not a matter of buying more. It is about building the capacity to experiment, adapt, co-create and lead in an environment where yesterday’s solutions are obsolete tomorrow. The book is essential for those who believe that the future of national security will belong to nations that learn faster, adapt smarter and move first. It calls for organisational ambidexterity, cultural agility and a shift in mindset, where military personnel are not only end-users but also innovators, collaborators and strategic technologists.
India–US defence cooperation has grown significantly, driven by shared interests in the Indo-Pacific region. However, technology transfer remains problematic due to India’s focus on strategic autonomy and US concerns over intellectual property and export controls. This article investigates the same within the context of Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI), exploring how technology transfer concerns affect joint defence efforts and the development of advanced military system. It also examines US regulatory restrictions, such as International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and their impact on technology sharing.
Additionally, the article considers India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, which sometimes conflict with US technology protection expectations. The article suggests solutions, including flexible bilateral agreements and enhanced trust-building, to balance strategic partnerships with national sovereignty, aiming to resolve technology transfer issues and maximise the potential of India–US defence collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region.
The P-75I programme can be regarded as an inflection point for strengthening India’s defence industrial ecosystem for achieving ‘atmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) in submarine technology.
India's pursuit of Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence technology is a multi-faceted endeavour, requiring strategic vision, robust collaboration, sustained investment and a commitment to innovation.
