New Delhi: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan has issued a sharp warning to Indian private defence manufacturers, stressing that national security cannot be protected if companies remain driven only by profit motives. Speaking at a seminar organised by the United Services Institution (USI) in New Delhi, the CDS said private firms working with the armed forces must demonstrate patriotism, sincerity, and a sense of national responsibility in delivering critical defence systems.
General Chauhan’s remarks come amid rising concerns within the armed forces that several domestic manufacturers have failed to meet deadlines under Emergency Procurement (EP) — a fast-track mechanism allowing the military to sign contracts worth up to ₹300 crore without lengthy procedures to meet urgent operational needs.
According to the CDS, when the Army reached out to multiple companies during the fifth and sixth phases of emergency procurement, “most firms could not deliver what they had promised.” He described the situation as “unacceptable,” noting that any delay directly impacts the operational readiness of soldiers deployed on the frontlines.
Concerns Over False ‘70% Indigenous’ Claims
General Chauhan also expressed frustration over misleading indigenisation claims made by some firms. Many companies, he said, assert that their products are “70% indigenous” but investigations reveal much lower local content.
“Some firms import major components, assemble them in India and call the product indigenous. This is misleading and dangerous when it concerns national security,” the CDS warned, urging complete transparency from the industry.
Industry Response: ‘Delays Not Limited to Indian Companies’
Sources within the defence industry acknowledged the CDS’s concerns but pointed out that delays are not unique to Indian manufacturers. Major global suppliers—including those from the US, France, Israel, and Russia—have also failed to deliver on time in several cases.
However, expectations from Indian companies are higher because they form the backbone of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, and are expected to set benchmarks in reliability and timely delivery.
India’s Defence Exporters Growing, But Gaps Remain
India’s private defence sector has made rapid strides in the global market. Companies such as Tata, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Kalyani Group, SMPP, MKU, and SSS Defence are exporting weapons and military equipment to several countries. Despite this, orders from the Indian armed forces have often been limited, or procurement processes remain slow.
This gap between export success and domestic delivery timelines has led to scrutiny over the actual manufacturing capacity and supply chain readiness of private firms.
‘Defence Reform Is Not a One-Way Street’
Emphasising collective responsibility, CDS Chauhan reminded companies that partnering with the armed forces is not like working with any other client. “A delay in delivery means a delay in meeting the needs of soldiers at the borders. It has direct national security implications,” he said.
The CDS urged companies to improve quality, honesty in capability projection, and strict adherence to timelines, reiterating that the military needs dependable partners, not just commercially motivated vendors.
His message was clear: as India pushes for military modernisation and self-reliance in defence manufacturing, private companies must rise to the moment—not only with technology and production but with commitment to the nation’s security.
