India allows private firms to produce advanced missiles under new policy

New Delhi has approved a policy that permits private companies to manufacture advanced weapon systems, a shift aimed at accelerating India’s drive for military self‑sufficiency. The Defence Production Policy, announced by the Ministry of Defence, expands the scope of indigenous production beyond conventional arms to include sophisticated platforms such as unmanned aerial vehicles, precision‑guided munitions and electronic warfare equipment.

The framework establishes a licensing regime, quality‑assurance standards and joint‑venture provisions that enable private firms to collaborate with the armed forces and state‑run ordnance factories. By opening the sector to commercial expertise, the government expects to reduce reliance on foreign imports, create a domestic supply chain and generate employment in line with the broader “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives. The policy is slated for implementation over the next fiscal year, with the Defence Ministry monitoring progress through periodic reviews.