Why in News?
The Ministry of Defence has released the sixth Positive Indigenisation List (PIL), adding 405 defence items that will be produced domestically to reduce dependence on imports.
Key Highlights
- The new list includes 405 items worth around ₹3,070 crore for indigenisation.
- It covers Line Replaceable Units (LRUs), sub-systems, sub-assemblies, spares, components and raw materials.
- Of the 405 items, 16 are for the Indian Coast Guard, while 389 are for Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs).
- The list covers major platforms such as Su-30MKI, Light Combat Aircraft, Advanced Light Helicopter, Light Utility Helicopter, T-72 and T-90 tanks, BMP-II, and missile systems like Konkurs-M, Invar and MRSAM.
- Items related to radars, sonars, fire-control systems, satellite communication and ammunition are also included.
- Each item has a specific timeline for indigenisation (broadly December 2026 to December 2029) and will be sourced from Indian manufacturers after successful development.
- The initiative will encourage participation of private companies and MSMEs in defence production.
- The move is part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and aims to strengthen India's domestic defence manufacturing capability.
Significance
The Positive Indigenisation List will help reduce defence imports, expand opportunities for Indian industries and promote investment and innovation in the defence sector.
Previous Progress
- The SRIJAN Defence Portal was launched in August 2020 to promote indigenous production of defence items.
- More than 15,700 defence items have already been indigenised.
- This has resulted in import substitution worth around ₹9,000 crore over the past five years.
- India's defence production reached about ₹1.78 lakh crore in 2025–26, a 15.6% rise over the previous year.