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The Hidden Stories Behind Our Everyday Comfort:
In the primitive years of World War 1 and 2, the exigencies of conflict gave rise to some of the most transformative technologies, which we take for granted today or know the history of. Consider Fleming’s discovery of Penicillin (what we now use as an antibiotic) from a petri dish of bacteria, where the mould was not only growing but also restricted the growth of the bacteria. He then isolated the mould and identified it to be Penicillium, which was later on mass-produced during World War 2, saving countless lives and revolutionising medicine. (1)
Or the revolutionary work by Marie Curie during World War 1 making “Petites Curies”, a mobile X-ray unit, used to diagnose injuries on the battlefront. Curie and her daughter Irene assisted doctors to operate more accurately by helping them see the broken bones, shrapnels and bullets inside the wounded soldiers and eliminated the confinement of X-rays in hospitals by making them mobile and using them on the battlefield. (2) Or even Hertz’s realisation of Radio waves being a type of electromagnetic radiation, or Watson-Watt building radar stations to detect enemy aircraft. All these advancements highlight how defense efforts have sparked innovations that transcend their original purpose, shaping the foundations of modern life.
Fast-forward to today, the defence industry frequently finds itself cast as an antagonist—a perceived enabler of conflict, or a scary war front, or even an obstacle to peace. But that’s a story fueled more by drama than by truth. India’s defence has been overshadowed for decades by its identity as a service-based economy, limiting its liability to emerge as a global leader in defence, economy, warfare and soft power. At Armory, we’re flipping the script. Defense isn’t about starting fights; it’s about making sure fights don’t start in the first place. By building resilience and innovation into the fabric of national security, we aim to resolve the issues in the industry like talent drain, collaborations, the attractiveness of the field, and technological dependence and redefine how the nation perceives the defense sector—and India’s role in it.
Let’s break down why a strong defense is indispensable, why India needs to lead the charge in defense manufacturing, and how being ready for war isn’t the same as itching for one.
Why Defense Matters: The Modern Role of Guardianship
Think of defense as the locks on your doors and the fire extinguisher in your kitchen. You don’t have these because you’re paranoid—you have them because you’re smart. Defense is not about flexing muscles or issuing threats; it’s about making sure your home (or homeland) stays safe, come what may.
A robust military capability isn’t about just safeguarding the borders; it’s also about signalling and reflecting strength at a global level. India is seen as a "potential superpower" that punches below its weight due to internal inefficiencies, lack of strategic clarity and a reluctance to project strength aggressively. While respected for its culture, democratic values, tech talent, and labour intensity, it's often perceived as reactive rather than proactive in global affairs. (3)
So now comes the question; How can this change?
1. Make in India, For the world: Accelerate indigenous weapons programs like Agni and Tejas while cutting red tape. Our neighbour China, for example, has dominance stemming from rapid defence advancements like hypersonic missile DF-17 (Dongfeng-17).
2. Be the Roar, not the Echo: Adopt assertive and firm geopolitical stances to establish leadership and deter adversaries. For instance, India’s robust response in the Balakot airstrike post-Pulwama attack.
3. From Code to Core: Shifting the focus on transforming into a manufacturing power-house and not just a service-oriented economy. India should carve a path into strengthening the MSMEs and integrating them into global supply-chains, invest in high-tech R&D & IP generation rather than just assembly, boost domestic demand to sustain the long-term industrial growth and streamline the bureaucratic hurdles that slows down large-scale manufacturing projects.
4. Charm the World, Own the Narrative: Amplify cultural and technological soft power to rewrite global perceptions of India. We can start by building on ISRO’s global admiration with more international collaborations or positioning as AI leaders even (like the AI research collaboration with Japan and Bengaluru’s growing AI hub, or encouraging start-ups like Agnikul, Skyroot etc).
Now, imagine a world without a robust defense sector. Would peace reign supreme? History offers a blunt no. A well-equipped defense industry acts as a bouncer at the door of global geopolitics, telling potential troublemakers to think twice. It’s not an invitation to chaos; it’s an investment in peace—a very muscular, high-tech peace. (4)
Moreover, the defence sector has been a wellspring of innovation, GPS technology, the internet, and even lifesaving medical equipment owe their origins to defence research. The industry is like the nerdy genius in the corner of the party, quietly inventing stuff that changes the world. So when you’re investing in defense, you’re not just protecting borders; you’re advancing humanity. (5)
India at the Helm of Defense Innovation
India’s geographical position is both a blessing and a challenge. Nestled in a hotbed of geopolitical drama, the country can’t afford to play the role of the unprepared protagonist in an action movie. To secure its sovereignty and future, India needs to embrace defense manufacturing like never before. A self-reliant defence manufacturing sector is not just an economic imperative; it’s a strategic necessity. We must be ready—not to provoke, but to protect.
Sharing borders with two nuclear-armed nations and navigating a maritime domain rife with strategic competition, India sits in a region that often feels like a pressure cooker. These realities necessitate a defense strategy that is robust. Moreover, according to the report by SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute), India was among the world's largest importers between 2019 and 2023, underscoring the urgent need for indigenous manufacturing. (6)
The Myth of ‘Indigenous’ and India’s Self-Reliance Mirage in Defense
India’s defense self-reliance is currently hovering at a modest 35-40%—which, in simpler terms, means we’re still importing more than we’d like to admit. Despite all the chest-thumping about ‘Make in India’ and self-sufficiency, our defense sector often finds itself in a game of assembly, not autonomy.
The gap between what our armed forces need and what our defense PSUs (DPSUs), Ordnance Factories, and DRDO actually deliver is hard to ignore. This results in India frequently turning to off-the-shelf foreign imports for modern weapons and technology—because soldiers can’t fight wars with delays and PowerPoint presentations.
This isn’t a new problem either. Back in 2011, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) raised eyebrows (and probably a few tempers) when it reported that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was importing 90% of raw materials and components for ‘indigenous’ Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH). If you’re assembling IKEA furniture with parts made elsewhere, can you really call yourself a ‘manufacturer’?
Even India’s flagship defense projects—like the Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas—have struggled with true indigenization. The Parliament Standing Committee on Defense has consistently flagged concerns over how much of these platforms are genuinely ‘Made in India’ versus ‘Assembled in India’.
And then there’s the R&D conundrum. The Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) invests just 0.7% of its budget in R&D—far below the minimum required 3%. For comparison, major global defense firms pour 10-15% of their revenues into R&D. If you’re spending more on paperwork than prototypes, innovation will always take a backseat.
Speaking of innovation, here’s a shocker: Four of nine DPSUs don’t own a single patent or copyright. That’s like an IT company without a single line of original code—it’s simply not sustainable in a world driven by technology.
But perhaps the most frustrating aspect of all this is the public sector’s reluctance to let the private sector step up. Instead of allowing private firms to play the role of lead integrators or system manufacturers, the DPSUs and Ordnance Factories seem more comfortable treating them as mere vendors—a strategic move to maintain their monopoly (and government-backed privileges).
Why does the private sector stay away? Decades of insulation, bureaucratic red tape, and old-school thinking have created a culture where government-run entities enjoy easy access to public funds while private players struggle to enter the inner circle. It’s not about lack of capability—it’s about an ecosystem that favors status quo over competition.
Until we shake off these outdated mindsets and genuinely embrace the private sector as equal partners, ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ in defense might just remain a well-marketed illusion—a headline without a breakthrough. (7)
Here’s why the shift is vital:
1. Cutting the Import Cord: Reliance on foreign suppliers for defense gear has to be gradually curtailed by bolstering indigenous manufacturing, India ensures it’s ready for any curveballs history might throw.
2. Economic Domino Effect: Defense manufacturing has a ripple effect on the economy; it doesn’t just produce tanks and drones; it produces jobs, boosts allied industries, and accelerates technological advancements. It’s the economic gift that keeps on giving.
3. Becoming a Global Player: A strong defense manufacturing base doesn’t just mean self-reliance; it means global relevance. Imagine India not just buying but selling cutting-edge technology to other nations. That’s a plot twist the world would respect. This shift enhances India’s geopolitical influence and strengthens its role as a global leader.
India’s transformation from being a service-based economy and nation to a manufacturing powerhouse should be a key vision. Initiatives like Make in India provide the framework to rebrand and reposition the nation as a force to be reckoned with—not just in defence, but across technological innovation. (8)
Preparedness vs. Provocation: Know the Difference
There’s a world of difference between preparing for war and wanting one. The former is about prudence; the latter is about hubris or simply aggression. At Armory, we’re firmly in the prudence camp, we advocate the path of preparation. Being ready isn’t about seeking conflicts; it’s about ensuring that if conflict arises, we are neither caught off guard nor rendered vulnerable.
This philosophy echoes India’s ancient wisdom of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (the world is one family). Our defense efforts aim to protect, not provoke. But let’s be clear: goodwill alone won’t stop an adversary. Vigilance and Strength—are the backbone of lasting peace.
How Armory is Leading the Charge
At Armory, we’re not just in the business of building tools; we’re in the business of building trust, self-reliance, resilience, and innovation. Here’s how we’re making a difference:
1. Homegrown Brilliance: We’re investing in R&D to craft solutions that fit India’s unique challenges like a glove. From anti-drone tech to advanced surveillance, we’re making sure India stays ahead of the curve.
2. Empowering Local Defense: We’re proud supporters of the Make in India initiative, partnering with local talent and suppliers to ensure every product we make is rooted in Indian soil, fostering economic growth and technological independence.
3. Collaborative Security: Defense isn’t a solo act. We’re teaming up with the government, armed forces, and private players to create a seamless security ecosystem.
A Fresh Perspective on Defense
It’s time to give the defense industry the credit it deserves. Far from being a harbinger of war, it’s a guardian of peace, a catalyst for progress, and a driver of economic growth. For India, investing in defense is about securing a future where peace isn’t just a dream but a lived reality.
At Armory, we’re honoured to contribute to this mission. We’re here to defend India with ingenuity, dignity, and purpose. So let’s reframe the story. Defense isn’t the villain; it’s the unsung hero, a guardian of peace, safeguarding our skies, securing our borders and a cornerstone of progress.
Let’s work together to keep India’s skies safe, its borders secure, and its future brighter than ever.
REFERENCES:
- How was Penicillin developed? (2021, February 23). Science Museum. https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objects-and-stories/how-was-penicillin-developed
- Conversation, T. J. J. (2017, October 11). How Marie Curie brought X-Ray machines to the battlefield. Smithsonian Magazine. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/how-marie-curie-brought-x-ray-machines-to-battlefield-180965240/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- Behera, L. K. (2021). Examining India’s defence innovation performance. Journal of Strategic Studies, 44(6), 830–853. https://doi.org/10.1080/01402390.2021.1993829
- Air University (AU). (2024, July 1). Tackling homeland defense challenges in the Indo-Pacific era. https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/JIPA/Display/Article/3821000/tackling-homeland-defense-challenges-in-the-indo-pacific-era/
- The role of a strong national defense | The Heritage Foundation. (n.d.). The Heritage Foundation. https://www.heritage.org/military-strength-topical-essays/2016-essays/the-role-strong-national-defense?utm_source
- Peri, D. (2024, March 13). India world’s top arms importer between 2019-23: SIPRI. The Hindu. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-worlds-top-arms-importer-between-2019-23-sipri/article67943114.ece
- Das, S. P. "An Overview of the Indian Defence Industry: a Transformative Perspective." CLAWS Journal, vol. 12, no. 1, 2019, pp. 123-137.
https://www.neliti.com/publications/327332/an-overview-of-indian-defence-industry-a-transformative-perspective#cite - MP-IDSA. (2025, January 14). India’s Path to Defence Self-Reliance: Challenges and progress in the IDEX Initiative - MP-IDSA. https://www.idsa.in/publisher/issue-brief/indias-path-to-defence-self-reliance-challenges-and-progress-in-the-idex-initiative-2/?utm_source
