Operation Sindoor a reality check on where we can do better: Defence Secretary

Answering a question about the evolving threat of drones and unmanned systems and whether specific capability areas have been identified for it, the Defence Secretary said, “In the context of Operation Sindoor, certain capability gaps were noticed. Those include areas like electronic warfare and counter-unmanned systems… Better manufacturing ecosystem of military grade drones which can survive better in GPS-denied and other contested environments, various types of low level radars as well. We had some areas where we thought that we needed to beef up our capabilities. There is always a trade-off between what you can buy off the shelf and what you develop over time. in terms of what the forces need immediately, we have tried to provide them the flexibility through the emergency procurement process, where they have basically been empowered to buy off-the-shelf equipment within the country preferably and if not, if it is not available, from outside. But in all of these areas, we will also work through DRDO to develop indigenous alternatives. There is a trade-off in the short term, but in the long run, the intent is to go fully indigenous in all of these capabilities.”

Answering a question on the development of indigenous aero engines, the Defence Secretary said, “For fighter jet engines, as the Defence Minister had announced some time back, we are in the final stages of developing a collaboration with an international engine house along with DRDO. That is a long-term process. It will take perhaps as much as a decade to develop. The intent is to identify an engine house which has done this in the past and which is able to transfer 100% IPR to India. With that in mind, we have shortlisted someone and we will be moving to the highest levels of government for taking those decisions subsequently.”

On a question of how India is taking bilateral projects forward with the US amidst trade tensions, Singh said, “On defence, there is no spillover effect from the trade tensions as you put it. Those are also easing now. We have resumed our negotiations with them and hopefully they will be successful. Our defence collaboration and talks have continued even during periods of what you described as tensions. We have delegation level talks, 2 plus 2 talks, that have been undertaken. The engines from General Electric for the light combat aircraft are also being delivered. So, I would say defence collaboration, not much impact. In fact, during this period also, they delivered two Apaches to the Indian Army.”

Replying to a question on Air Defence capabilities, the Defence secretary said, “The Prime Minister announced from Red Fort a new mission called Sudarshan Chakra. We already have a fairly strong multi-layered air defence system which worked very very well during Operation Sindoor. But India has a large landmass. We need to ensure that all our critical infrastructure and population centers and industries get covered. But for the future, we will have to upgrade. That process will be given adequate attention during the preparation for the Sudarshan Chakra mission for which the Chairman DRDO and the committee has been tasked with preparing a DPR to meet any gaps or voids in that air defence system.”