Atmanirbhar Bharat needs high-end precision weapons

The power to take out a crucial portion of a constructing, with all the construction nonetheless intact, is a spectacular feat of army precision. It’s also a unprecedented accomplishment of techno-military prowess, propelled enormously by proficiencies in microelectronics. Whereas many of the conversations across the R9X missile concentrate on the strategy of destruction — the halo of blades that emerge from the missile proper earlier than influence to shred the goal or the exact quantity of explosive that minimises collateral harm in a automotive or a mud hut — it’s equally vital to discover the broader swathe of precision applied sciences that drive these precision missions.

The missile is launched from a platform such because the Basic Atomics MQ9 Reaper, the missile will get its preliminary steering from inertial navigation — International Positioning System (GPS) or Inertial Navigation Methods (INSs) – which determines the approximate location of the goal, a Seeker System, which makes the steering within the terminal section infinitely exact, and a proximity fuse, which tells the missile precisely when to activate, thereby executing the mission with telling accuracy.

The R9X missile is however one of a big household of extraordinarily exact, mission-specific missiles that the US army has been growing since World Warfare II. One other unbelievable instance is the Protection Superior Analysis Tasks Company (DARPA)’s Excessive Accuracy Tasked Ordnance (EXACTO) Programme — a sophisticated bullet that’s so developed in precision steering, that it’s going to all the time strike, even when it’s a shifting goal.

These weapons are marvels of know-how which have emerged from the Division of Protection’s continued investments in superior semiconductors. The query that beckons is: How can India construct and deploy superior weapons such because the R9X or the Spice (the Israeli missile used within the 2019 Balakot strike)? The reply is evident: By constructing a powerful home edifice in semiconductors and microelectronics.

Chips (fabricated from silicon or different supplies comparable to gallium arsenide) energy each possible digital gadget — from telephones to automobiles. However in addition they energy nearly each crucial piece of kit utilized by the army — from missiles to radars. The Ukraine battle and the Israel-Gaza escalation inform us that finally tactical prowess and strategic creativeness come all the way down to uncooked functionality and proficiencies in microelectronics.

By the use of instance, a latest Royal United Providers Institute (RUSI) report profiles as many as 450 microelectronic parts that presently energy 27 Russian methods in Ukraine. At the moment, India imports all of its semiconductors: Roughly, $7 billion a yr is spent on these imports, of which $4 billion goes to China.

Whereas India homes practically 20% of the worldwide semiconductor expertise pool, nearly all of that manpower is working as back-end help for international firms. For an atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), we’d like a Bharat that’s atmanirbhar in semiconductors and microelectronics, particularly within the strategic army area.

Whereas Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s concentrate on transitioning India from chip-taker to chip-maker and the launch of the Indian semiconductor mission are laudable, the absence of participation from the strategic neighborhood is palpable. Within the US and China, strategic improvement is the entrance and centre of their semiconductor programmes. Each single merchandise utilized by the Indian army — from easy floor statement units to stylish floor stations, communications, radars, and missile steering — requires a string of semiconductor units, 100% of that are presently imported.

As know-how denial regimes throughout the globe proliferate, Defence Analysis and Growth Organisation (DRDO), Defence Public Sector Items (DPSUs), and Indian non-public firms will likely be on the mercy of international semiconductor firms and their complicated export management procedures, thereby denying entry to cutting-edge applied sciences and having to make do with generations-old merchandise.

That is each a obtrusive vulnerability and an enormous alternative. We have to step up our ambitions.

First, as Quad begins to focus more and more on know-how, this partnership can turn into a “inexperienced hall” for strategic applied sciences, the place having end-user certification turns into an all-access move to foundries situated in Quad international locations.

Second, the creation of a twin use/strategic wing inside India’s semiconductor mission. Whereas the present semiconductor mission locations quite a lot of emphasis on constructing foundries (because it ought to), India’s candy spot might develop into fabless — constructing high-end chip design firms that serve the world. The DLI (design-linked incentive) and chip-2-startup schemes are welcome, however the inclusion of strategic and army stakeholders within the dialogue is an absolute crucial.

Third, tying up the ministry of electronics and knowledge know-how (MeitY)’s efforts with our strategic-military initiatives might assist unleash a brand new wave of high-end chip firms in India. The ministry of defence (MOD)’s iDEX and DRDO’s Know-how Growth Fund (TDF) Fund are actually well-oiled machines that may present enough incentives to the home trade to tackle these complicated challenges.

Fourth, concrete steps that transcend seminar obeisance. It’s far more durable and costlier for brand new chip firms to get began within the West. Silicon Valley has since lengthy turn into a software program valley. We’re within the midst of a once-in-a-generation alternative to construct crucial applied sciences in India for the world. It won’t solely increase our financial system but in addition open a beneficial geostrategic conduit for our pals and allies.

PM Modi has spoken passionately about Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav as the start of Amrit Kaal. The prayas (aspiration) to invigorate our semiconductor prowess within the strategic army realm, for a very Atmanirbhar Bharat, wants to start now.

Lt Basic Raj Shukla retired lately as Military commander, Military Coaching Command (ARTRAC), and is presently a member, UPSC

The views expressed are private