Make II Scheme: Boosting Indigenous Defence Manufacturing

Make II Scheme: Boosting Indigenous Defence Manufacturing

The Indian government’s Make II scheme, launched in 2018, is a crucial initiative aimed at propelling the nation’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities. This scheme, a successor to the Make I scheme, seeks to foster a robust domestic defence industry, reduce reliance on foreign imports, and enhance India’s strategic autonomy. This article delves into the intricacies of the Make II scheme, exploring its objectives, key features, progress made, challenges faced, and future prospects.

Objectives of the Make II Scheme

The Make II scheme is driven by a multi-pronged set of objectives, aiming to:

• Promote Indigenous Design and Development: Encourage domestic companies to develop and manufacture cutting-edge defence equipment, fostering innovation and self-reliance.
• Reduce Import Dependency: Minimize reliance on foreign suppliers for critical defence systems, enhancing national security and strategic independence.
• Boost Domestic Manufacturing: Create a thriving domestic defence industry, generating employment opportunities and contributing to economic growth.
• Foster Technological Advancement: Encourage the adoption of advanced technologies and manufacturing processes within the defence sector, propelling India’s technological prowess.
• Strengthen Defence Ecosystem: Develop a robust ecosystem for defence manufacturing, including a skilled workforce, robust supply chains, and supporting infrastructure.

Key Features of the Make II Scheme

The Make II scheme distinguishes itself through its unique features:

• Focus on Indigenous Development: The scheme prioritizes projects involving indigenous design, development, and production of defence equipment.
• Financial Incentives: It provides financial support to domestic companies undertaking Make II projects, including grants, subsidies, and funding for research and development.
• Simplified Procurement Process: The scheme streamlines the procurement process for Make II projects, facilitating faster and more efficient acquisition of indigenous equipment.
• Emphasis on Private Sector Participation: The scheme actively encourages private sector involvement in defence manufacturing, leveraging their expertise and resources.
• Focus on Technology Transfer: It promotes technology transfer from foreign partners to Indian companies, facilitating knowledge sharing and capacity building.

Progress Made Under the Make II Scheme

Since its inception, the Make II scheme has witnessed significant progress:

• Increased Indigenous Production: The scheme has spurred the development and production of various defence equipment, including artillery guns, helicopters, and naval vessels, reducing reliance on imports.
• Private Sector Engagement: Private companies have actively participated in Make II projects, demonstrating their commitment to strengthening the domestic defence industry.
• Technology Transfer: Several instances of technology transfer from foreign partners to Indian companies have been facilitated under the scheme, enhancing indigenous capabilities.
• Job Creation: The scheme has created numerous employment opportunities in the defence sector, contributing to economic growth and skill development.
• Enhanced Defence Ecosystem: The scheme has fostered the development of a robust defence ecosystem, including specialized manufacturing facilities, skilled workforce, and supporting infrastructure.

Challenges Faced by the Make II Scheme

Despite its progress, the Make II scheme faces several challenges:

• Funding Constraints: The scheme requires substantial financial resources to support the development and production of complex defence equipment.
• Technological Gap: Bridging the technological gap with advanced defence technologies remains a significant challenge for Indian companies.
• Lack of Skilled Workforce: The availability of a skilled workforce with specialized expertise in defence manufacturing remains a concern.
• Bureaucratic Hurdles: Navigating bureaucratic procedures and obtaining necessary approvals can be time-consuming and challenging for companies.
• Competition from Foreign Suppliers: The scheme faces competition from established foreign defence manufacturers, who often offer competitive pricing and advanced technologies.

Future Prospects of the Make II Scheme

The Make II scheme holds immense potential for transforming India’s defence manufacturing landscape. To maximize its impact, the following measures are crucial:

• Increased Funding: The government needs to allocate sufficient financial resources to support Make II projects, ensuring their successful implementation.
• Focus on R&D: Investing in research and development is essential to bridge the technological gap and develop cutting-edge defence equipment.
• Skill Development: Strengthening vocational training programs and educational institutions to produce a skilled workforce for the defence sector is vital.
• Streamlined Procurement: Simplifying the procurement process and reducing bureaucratic hurdles will encourage greater participation from domestic companies.
• Strategic Partnerships: Fostering strategic partnerships with foreign defence companies for technology transfer and joint ventures can accelerate indigenous capabilities.

Table 1: Key Make II Projects

Table 2: Impact of Make II Scheme on Defence Imports

Note: The data in Table 2 reflects a declining trend in defence imports, indicating the positive impact of the Make II scheme on reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.

Conclusion

The Make II scheme is a transformative initiative that holds the key to unlocking India’s full potential in defence manufacturing. By fostering indigenous design, development, and production, the scheme aims to create a self-reliant and technologically advanced defence industry. While challenges remain, the government’s commitment to the scheme, coupled with the active participation of the private sector, offers a promising future for India’s defence sector. The Make II scheme is not just about boosting indigenous manufacturing; it is about empowering India to become a global leader in defence technology and innovation.

Frequently Asked Questions on Make II Scheme: Boosting Indigenous Defence Manufacturing

1. What is the Make II Scheme?

The Make II Scheme is a government initiative launched in 2018 to promote indigenous design, development, and production of defence equipment in India. It aims to reduce reliance on foreign imports, boost domestic manufacturing, and enhance India’s strategic autonomy.

2. What are the key objectives of the Make II Scheme?

The Make II Scheme aims to:

• Promote Indigenous Design and Development: Encourage domestic companies to develop and manufacture cutting-edge defence equipment.
• Reduce Import Dependency: Minimize reliance on foreign suppliers for critical defence systems.
• Boost Domestic Manufacturing: Create a thriving domestic defence industry, generating employment opportunities.
• Foster Technological Advancement: Encourage the adoption of advanced technologies and manufacturing processes.
• Strengthen Defence Ecosystem: Develop a robust ecosystem for defence manufacturing, including a skilled workforce and robust supply chains.

3. How does the Make II Scheme differ from the Make I Scheme?

The Make II Scheme builds upon the Make I Scheme by:

• Prioritizing Indigenous Development: Focusing on projects involving indigenous design, development, and production.
• Providing Financial Incentives: Offering grants, subsidies, and funding for research and development.
• Simplifying Procurement Process: Streamlining the procurement process for faster acquisition of indigenous equipment.
• Encouraging Private Sector Participation: Actively engaging private companies in defence manufacturing.
• Promoting Technology Transfer: Facilitating knowledge sharing and capacity building through technology transfer.

4. What are some examples of successful Make II projects?

Several successful Make II projects include:

• Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS): Developed by Bharat Forge, this 155mm artillery gun is now in production.
• Light Combat Helicopter (LCH): Developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), this attack helicopter is in production.
• Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) Vikrant: Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), this aircraft carrier was commissioned in 2022.
• Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA): Developed by HAL, this fighter aircraft is in production.
• BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile: Developed by BrahMos Aerospace, this missile is in production.

5. What are the challenges faced by the Make II Scheme?

The Make II Scheme faces challenges such as:

• Funding Constraints: The scheme requires substantial financial resources to support complex projects.
• Technological Gap: Bridging the technological gap with advanced defence technologies remains a challenge.
• Lack of Skilled Workforce: The availability of a skilled workforce with specialized expertise is a concern.
• Bureaucratic Hurdles: Navigating bureaucratic procedures and obtaining approvals can be time-consuming.
• Competition from Foreign Suppliers: The scheme faces competition from established foreign defence manufacturers.

6. What are the future prospects of the Make II Scheme?

The Make II Scheme holds immense potential for transforming India’s defence manufacturing landscape. To maximize its impact, the government needs to:

• Increase Funding: Allocate sufficient financial resources to support Make II projects.
• Focus on R&D: Invest in research and development to bridge the technological gap.
• Develop Skilled Workforce: Strengthen vocational training programs and educational institutions.
• Streamline Procurement: Simplify the procurement process and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.
• Foster Strategic Partnerships: Encourage strategic partnerships with foreign defence companies for technology transfer and joint ventures.

7. How does the Make II Scheme contribute to India’s overall defence strategy?

The Make II Scheme is a crucial component of India’s defence strategy, aiming to:

• Enhance Strategic Autonomy: Reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and strengthen national security.
• Promote Self-Reliance: Foster a robust domestic defence industry capable of meeting India’s defence needs.
• Boost Economic Growth: Create employment opportunities and contribute to economic development.
• Position India as a Global Defence Power: Develop cutting-edge technologies and establish India as a leading defence manufacturer.

8. What is the role of the private sector in the Make II Scheme?

The Make II Scheme actively encourages private sector participation in defence manufacturing, leveraging their expertise and resources. Private companies play a vital role in:

• Developing and Manufacturing Defence Equipment: Contributing to the design, development, and production of various defence systems.
• Investing in Research and Development: Investing in research and development to enhance indigenous capabilities.
• Creating Employment Opportunities: Generating employment opportunities in the defence sector.
• Building a Robust Defence Ecosystem: Contributing to the development of a robust ecosystem for defence manufacturing.

9. How can individuals contribute to the success of the Make II Scheme?

Individuals can contribute to the success of the Make II Scheme by:

• Supporting Indigenous Products: Choosing Indian-made defence equipment whenever possible.
• Promoting Awareness: Raising awareness about the importance of indigenous defence manufacturing.
• Developing Skills: Pursuing education and training in defence-related fields to contribute to the skilled workforce.
• Engaging in Public Discourse: Participating in discussions and debates on defence policy and indigenous manufacturing.

10. What is the expected impact of the Make II Scheme on India’s defence sector?

The Make II Scheme is expected to have a significant impact on India’s defence sector by:

• Reducing Import Dependency: Minimizing reliance on foreign suppliers and enhancing strategic autonomy.
• Boosting Domestic Manufacturing: Creating a thriving domestic defence industry and generating employment opportunities.
• Enhancing Technological Capabilities: Fostering innovation and technological advancement in the defence sector.
• Strengthening Defence Ecosystem: Developing a robust ecosystem for defence manufacturing, including a skilled workforce and robust supply chains.
• Positioning India as a Global Defence Power: Establishing India as a leading defence manufacturer and exporter.

Here are a few multiple-choice questions (MCQs) on the Make II Scheme, with four options each:

1. What is the primary objective of the Make II Scheme?

a) To increase India’s reliance on foreign defence suppliers.
b) To promote indigenous design, development, and production of defence equipment.
c) To reduce the role of the private sector in defence manufacturing.
d) To focus solely on importing advanced defence technologies.

Answer: b) To promote indigenous design, development, and production of defence equipment.

2. Which of the following is NOT a key feature of the Make II Scheme?

a) Financial incentives for domestic companies.
b) Simplified procurement process for indigenous equipment.
c) Emphasis on private sector participation.
d) Prioritizing the import of foreign defence technologies.

Answer: d) Prioritizing the import of foreign defence technologies.

3. Which of the following is an example of a successful Make II project?

a) The purchase of Rafale fighter jets from France.
b) The development of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.
c) The import of S-400 air defence systems from Russia.
d) The acquisition of Apache attack helicopters from the United States.

Answer: b) The development of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.

4. What is a major challenge faced by the Make II Scheme?

a) The lack of interest from private companies in defence manufacturing.
b) The abundance of skilled workers in the defence sector.
c) The absence of any financial incentives for domestic companies.
d) The technological gap between India and advanced defence technologies.

Answer: d) The technological gap between India and advanced defence technologies.

5. Which of the following measures is crucial for the future success of the Make II Scheme?

a) Reducing the role of the private sector in defence manufacturing.
b) Increasing funding for research and development in defence technologies.
c) Prioritizing the import of foreign defence equipment.
d) Eliminating all financial incentives for domestic companies.

Answer: b) Increasing funding for research and development in defence technologies.