The Indian Aerospace and Defense Industry is a vital sector for India’s economy and national security. The Indian A&D sector is at an inflection point, given the modernisation and indigenisation programmes being undertaken by all the three services of one of the largest military forces in the world. It has made significant strides in recent years, with India becoming one of the largest importers of defense equipment. Indian government has been pushing for greater indigenization of defense equipment and the industry has moving forward with increased focus on research and development, emphasis on developing advanced systems and technologies, collaboration with international partners, push towards receiving technology knowledge, and increased investment in defense sector. Programs like Indian Defense Offset and Make in India are also promoting increased global participation in the Indian Aerospace and Defense segment.
To compete with the modern warfare technologies leading Aerospace and Defense OEMs are constantly working hard in R&D to adopt modern technologies to remain competitive and enhance their product capabilities.
Indian Defence Market Trends
According to a report by Mordor Intelligence Indian defense market is anticipated to register a CAGR of over 4% during the forecast period of 2024 – 2032. The Indian government has set the defense production target at USD 25 billion by 2025 (including USD 5 billion from exports by 2025).
India is currently working on its AMCA project. According to report the first flight will expected during 2025-26, while full production may occur by 2030. HAL is developing a new 13-ton-class helicopter, the Indian Multi-role Helicopter for the Indian Armed Forces followed by Tejas MK 2, with series production to begin by 2026
IAF is working on plans to continue the long-deferred requirement for 114 Medium Multi-role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) 2.0 deal, worth an estimated USD 18-20 billion. The IAF is also focusing on developing its air defense capabilities and has invested in the development of related capabilities by procuring both indigenous and foreign-made systems. Some of the notable ongoing programs include Akash SAM, S-400, and IAI MRSAM. Such programs are expected to drive the segment’s growth during the forecast period.
Let’s look at some of the trending technologies that are expected to augment the Indian Aerospace and Defense segment in the near future.
Stealth Technology
Stealth technology is a combination of techniques that diminish the emission and reflection of visible light-heat signatures, sound, and radio signals by the vehicle surface. While no aircraft is completely invisible to RADARs, stealth aircraft make it more challenging for conventional RADARs to detect and track them. Stealth technology in aerospace and defense encompasses several key aspects which includes use of multiple substrates and techniques.
Almost every country around the globe are actively investing in and advancing stealth technology within the aerospace and defense sector. These efforts are aimed at enhancing the stealth characteristics of various military platforms, including aircraft, naval vessels, and ground vehicles. These advancements include the design of stealth airframes, radar-absorbing materials, and innovative sensor systems to reduce the detectability of vehicles and improve their survivability in modern combat scenarios.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Leading towards the way forward for the digital transformation the Indian Aerospace and Defense industry is taking massive steps in transforming the defense forces. The industry is embracing modern technologies to add intelligence to defense forces and deployments. The collaborative effort by research institutes, academic institutions, public and private industry, and start-ups has helped create many unique AI & ML based technological products in areas such as surveillance, data, and logistics.
The use of AI & ML aids developers/users to gather crucial information and performance data of various components in a mission-critical platform. This will help them continually enhance product performance, minimize errors, monitor the health of electronics within aircraft, and manage safety concerns effectively. AI and Machine Learning enable Autonomy in ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance), and data management, which will benefit in combating terrorism, implementing counter-terrorism measures, and safeguarding assets.
Indian Aerospace and Defense organizations are making significant strides in harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). Some of the projects includes underwater threat detection using AI & ML, development of AI-driven multi-role, advanced and long-endurance drones to step up vigilance strategically in high-altitude Northern and North-eastern border areas, and using AI & ML for surveillance and reconnaissance operations.
An example of an Aerospace AI startup is Beacon AI which employs deep learning algorithms to enhance the safety of private and commercial flights. The pilot works with an AI assistant during the flight, which minimizes human errors and improves overall operational efficiency.
Robotics and Unmanned Systems
Robotics and Unmanned Systems are rapidly advancing and becoming increasingly popular in the Aerospace and Defense industry. These systems are programmed to perform tasks independently as well as under human supervision. Robotics and Unmanned Systems can be equipped with various sensors and tools. Some examples of unmanned systems include drones, unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs).
Indian Aerospace and Defense organizations have undertaken numerous prominent projects in the realm of Robotics and Unmanned Systems. One initiative focuses on an electrically powered, fully automated, remotely operated vehicle for tasks like bomb disposal and handling hazardous materials. Another project involves a versatile unmanned ground vehicle capable of autonomous navigation using GPS waypoints and equipped with obstacle detection and avoidance capabilities for military applications, including mine clearing, surveillance, and operation in contaminated zones. Additionally, there is an effort dedicated to developing indigenous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance and reconnaissance. Another initiative involves a versatile multi-mission UAV, capable of battlefield surveillance, reconnaissance, target tracking, localization, and artillery fire correction, launched from a mobile hydro-pneumatic launcher with day/night capabilities. These initiatives reflect India’s commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities through the integration of Robotics and Unmanned Systems.
3D Printing
Currently, the aerospace and defense industry is among the largest users of additive manufacturing technology or 3D printing: it’s applied to create rocket bodies, build rocket engines, optimize astronaut uniforms, accelerate commercial aircraft production, etc. It also replacing obsolete vehicle/military aircraft parts with 3D printed ones, Building various structures, from bridges to shelters and also reducing the weight of defense equipment.
Immersive Technologies
Immersive technologies (virtual and augmented reality) are widely applied in the aerospace sector for Modernization of aerospace manufacturing, Aircraft maintenance and repair and for Aerospace employee training.
Advanced Satellite Technology
The application of satellites is gaining momentum and is expected to grow in 2024 and beyond. The extensive use of the Internet of Things and the need for global connectivity promotes the active development of satellite technologies.
Blockchain Technology
One of the major aerospace and defense industry trends and ongoing challenges is achieving resilience of complex supply chains — it’s a critical component enabling manufacturers’ competitiveness and minimizing their risks and financial losses. This mechanism enables transparent information sharing with high-level data security and network resiliency. Therefore, aerospace manufacturers can enhance visibility into supply chains and in such a way mitigate related risks and improve supply chain efficiency.
Growing emphasis on sustainability
With growing concerns about climate change, the aerospace industry is under pressure to reduce its environmental impact. With the goal of achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050, since the United States signed the Paris Agreement, the A&D industry is actively developing innovative designs and sustainable technologies. This commitment is shown through a recent milestone by a major airline, where they completed their first 100% sustainable aviation fuel flight. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plays a significant role in the decarbonization of long-haul aviation.
Conclusion
The advancements in technologies such as Stealth, Counter-surveillance, Artificial intelligence, Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, Robotics, and unmanned systems are transforming the Aerospace and Defense industry. Upgrades and technology updates are expected to continue to enhance the industry further. As such, the Aerospace and Defense industry in India is poised for growth and development, as technology continues to play a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of the nation. Facilitating Decarbonization is one of the most challenging aerospace industry trends. Following the adoption of various initiatives aimed at reducing the negative effect of carbon emissions on climate change (e.g. the European Green Deal), decarbonization is a trend that is here to stay for at least a couple of decades.
