India has recently implemented a ban on domestic manufacturers of military drones from using components made in China due to concerns about security vulnerabilities. This move comes as tensions between India and China continue to rise, and as India seeks to modernize its military with the use of unmanned quadcopters and other autonomous platforms.
According to defense and industry officials, as well as documents reviewed by Reuters, India’s security leaders are worried that Chinese-made parts in drones’ communication functions, cameras, radio transmission, and operating software could compromise intelligence-gathering capabilities.
The ban on Chinese parts has posed challenges for the nascent Indian drone industry, as manufacturers are now forced to source components from elsewhere, increasing costs. Sameer Joshi, founder of NewSpace Research and Technologies, a supplier of small drones for India’s military, stated that 70% of goods in the supply chain were previously made in China. Some manufacturers are still importing materials from China but “white-labeling” them to keep costs within a certain range.
India currently relies on foreign manufacturers for both parts and entire drone systems, as it lacks the necessary know-how to produce certain types of drones domestically. A government-funded program to produce an indigenous Medium Altitude Long Endurance unmanned system, called Tapas, has been delayed by at least half a decade. The program is facing challenges in finding suitable engines, as neither domestically built nor international models are available to meet the military’s requirements.
To address these technology gaps, India announced in June that it would purchase 31 MQ-9 drones from the United States for over $3 billion. However, experts emphasize the need for a coherent national strategy to fill these gaps and deliver commercially viable products. While Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman pledged a portion of the defense research and development budget for private industry, there is still limited investment in research and development by India’s big private-sector companies.
Despite the challenges, India is determined to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on Chinese components. However, this may come at a higher cost, as the senior defense official noted that buying equipment from China and manufacturing it in India could increase costs by 50%. The official emphasized the need for the nation to support the ecosystem and be prepared for higher costs to achieve self-sufficiency in drone manufacturing.
(This story has been corrected to say 1.6 trillion rupees, not 1.6 billion rupees, in paragraph 12)
($1=82.2775 Indian rupees)
Reporting by Krishn Kaushik; additional reporting by Joe Cash in Beijing; editing by David Crawshaw and YP Rajesh.
Why is it crucial for India to ensure the reliability and security of its military equipment, specifically in relation to the use of drones, and how does the ban on Chinese components contribute to this goal
Ds used in his company’s drones were previously sourced from China. He added that finding alternative suppliers has been challenging, as many countries are still dependent on Chinese components.
The decision to ban Chinese parts in military drones reflects growing concerns over national security in India. Tensions between India and China have been escalating, particularly after a deadly clash in the disputed border region of Ladakh in June 2020. As India seeks to modernize its military capabilities, ensuring the reliability and security of its equipment has become a top priority.
The use of unmanned quadcopters and other autonomous platforms is seen as critical for India’s military modernization efforts. Drones provide advantages such as surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeted strikes. However, the reliance on Chinese components raised concerns about potential vulnerabilities and the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The ban on Chinese parts has had a significant impact on the Indian drone industry. Manufacturers are now scrambling to find alternative suppliers, often resulting in increased costs and delays. Sameer Joshi’s company alone relied on Chinese components for 70% of their drones, highlighting the extent of the challenge faced by the industry.
Nevertheless, India’s decision to take such measures underscores the importance of safeguarding its military capabilities from potential security breaches. As tensions between India and China continue to rise, the ban on Chinese components in military drones is a proactive step towards enhancing India’s national security and reducing its dependence on potentially vulnerable technology.
