Overview

• Speaking at Aero Tech India 2025 in New Delhi, Deputy Chief of the Air Staff Awadhesh Kumar Bharti called for 100% indigenisation, arguing that even 99% localization fails if critical components remain import-dependent.
• Bharti said the shift from concepts to deployed systems is "painfully slow" and urged a rapid overhaul of R&D, infrastructure and the broader innovation ecosystem to achieve strategic autonomy.
• He identified weapon seeker technology as the most urgent gap and prioritised core aero engines, scramjets for hypersonics, quantum-resilient communications, directed-energy weapons and counter-drone capabilities.
• Outlining pre-kinetic and multi-domain needs, he pressed for persistent, survivable ISR with AI-driven real-time analytics, more AWACS, enhanced fighter and UAV radars, and lower-frequency RF sensors integrated across air, ground and space.
• CAPSS chief Air Vice Marshal Anil Golani said more than 14,000 line items have been indigenised and five positive lists have redirected about ₹2.5 lakh crore to domestic suppliers, with a sixth list due this year, as Bharti cautioned the UAS market is congested and urged focus on survivability and sensor integration.