Overview
- At a CAPS–IMR seminar in New Delhi on Tuesday, Samir V Kamat said materials often take 10 to 15 years to mature while new defence systems turn over in about five.
- He said the gap makes it hard to fit new materials into weapons, sensors, and platforms as tech cycles speed up, especially in drones that change yearly.
- He highlighted a push to use artificial intelligence and integrated computational materials engineering to cut development time within the next five to ten years.
- He urged investment in mining and processing of rare earths and tungsten, noting China controls about 90% of rare earths and roughly 99% of heavy rare earths used in high‑strength magnets.
- An Indian Air Force maintenance leader said foreign OEMs still lock up critical parts and raw materials, so depot upgrades and local manufacturing are key for reliable sustainment.