Mission DefSpace

• At the current DefExpo, the Prime Minister just inaugurated "Mission DefSpace."
• The fourth Defence Indigenisation List, which bans the import of 101 products after specific deadlines, was also announced by him.
• At the India Pavilion during the Expo, he also debuted the HTT-40 (Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40), an indigenous trainer aircraft created and constructed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

About Mission DefSpace:

Through Indian industry and start-ups, an ambitious attempt is being made to develop cutting-edge solutions for the three Services (the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force).

• Based on the defence needs in the space domain, 75 challenges are being opened for creative solutions.
• To come up with solutions for the issues that will encompass both offensive and defensive capabilities, startups, innovators, and the private sector will be invited.
• It intends to provide a variety of military applications for space warfare and give private businesses the opportunity to provide the armed forces with answers to their future offensive and defensive needs.
• Space-based defence applications can benefit friendly foreign countries as well as the Indian armed forces.

Why Indigenization of defence industry is needed?

• Indigenization is the ability to design and manufacture any type of defence equipment domestically in order to increase national autonomy and lessen the financial burden of imports.
• One of the main goals of the Department of Defence Production is self-reliance in the manufacturing of defence products.
• Defense Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), the Defense Research Development Organization (DRDO), and commercial organisations are all essential to the indigenization of the defence sector.
• India is one of the biggest arms importers in the world, and over the next five years, the armed services are anticipated to spend approximately USD 130 billion on defence acquisitions.

Fourth Indigenous List:

• It places a special emphasis on equipment and products that are in development and could result in firm orders within the next five to ten years.
• The items on the fourth list will give the domestic defence sector adequate visibility and chance to learn about the current and future requirements of the armed services and build the necessary capacity for manufacture and research and development in the nation.
• Promote Domestic Industry: These platforms and weapons have the potential to revolutionise domestic production and R&D.
• Fiscal Deficit Reduction and Nationalism Instillation: Other advantages of indigenization include fiscal deficit reduction, security against porous borders and hostile neighbours, employment creation, and igniting the flame of nationalism and patriotism among the Indian Forces.

About HTT-40 Indigenous Trainer Aircraft:

• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) created the HTT-40 basic training aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

• It will take the place of the IAF's outdated fleet of HAL HPT-32 Deepak trainers.
• Its trainer has the best fuel efficiency and power rating in its class.
• It takes-off from a short distance and has a high climb rate.
• It has a maximum speed of 450km/h and can reach a maximum distance of 1,000 km. The stall speed with flaps down is 135 km/h.

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