India Allocates Large Funds to Produce Dual-Use Drones to Counter China and Turkey
The Indian government plans to allocate a budget of 234 million U.S. dollars for the production of civilian and military drones, in order to reduce reliance on imported components and counter Pakistan supported by China and Turkey.
New Delhi will launch a 234 million U.S. dollar budget plan over three years for the manufacture of drone components, software, anti-drone systems, and related services.
Two Indian government sources told Reuters today that the details of the plan had not been previously disclosed, although this budget expenditure far exceeds the investment decided by New Delhi in 2021 to promote drone startups.
The Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Ministry of Defense responsible for the plan have not responded to requests for comment.
India has already begun to invest heavily in its domestic drone industry, and may spend 470 million U.S. dollars on purchasing drones in the next 12 to 24 months.
Previously, India mainly imported military drones from Israel, but in recent years, Indian industry has developed competitive products, including military drones, although certain components still rely on imports from China.
Two Indian government sources said that India's goal is to have at least 40% of drone components manufactured domestically by the end of the 2028 fiscal year. Currently, the plan prohibits the import of drones, but does not prohibit the import of their components, and provides incentives for manufacturers who purchase locally in India.
India has about 600 companies engaged in drone manufacturing.
Drones are increasingly being used in warfare.
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1836729701855244/
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