The catch to the technological democratisation of defence industries is that it relies significantly on global supply chains. Ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza have exposed critical vulnerabilities in defence supply chains, which can be disrupted at any moment, given the unpredictable nature of geopolitics. Therefore, India’s strategic imperative lies in transitioning from import dependence to indigenous innovation, transforming and supplementing the nation’s preparedness for any future wars. This is where technology startups in defence assume a critical role. Modern-day war experiences highlight that such innovation ecosystems are not only efficient and cost-effective but also capable of sustaining both protracted and short military confrontations. The 2019 standoff between India and Pakistan, along with the recent ‘Operation Sindoor,’ exemplifies the volatile nature of contemporary military engagements that may involve potential Chinese involvement. This situation underscores the necessity for coordinated joint responses to address adversarial threats more effectively. Global experience of conflict, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict or the Gaza conflict, shares a similar experience. India’s national security strategy fundamentally depends on leveraging private capital in defence technology.
Leveraging Tech Startup Investment for India’s War Readiness
