EP-416 | India’s Defence Sector: Tejas, AMCA, Drone Warfare & More | IAS Sanjeev Kumar

EP-416 | India’s Defence Sector: Tejas, AMCA, Drone Warfare & More | IAS Sanjeev Kumar

Author: Asian News International (ANI) May 20, 2026 Duration: 1:04:10

From Tejas fighter jets and the AMCA programme to drones and missile systems. India is pushing aggressively towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Can India truly become “Aatmanirbhar” in defence? Or is complete self-reliance impossible in a world dependent on global supply chains? What role will private companies play in India’s growing drone ecosystem?


In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, we are joined by Sanjeev Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Department of Defence Production. A 1993-batch IAS officer with a background in electronics engineering, communication technology, and financial management, he is leading India’s push towards indigenous defence manufacturing and technology modernisation.



Timestamps


00:00 – Introduction

01:05 – Lessons from West Asia Crisis

05:05 – India’s Drone Production Capacity

05:52 – India’s Missile Production Capacity

08:49 – India’s Ammunition Manufacturing Capacity

14:27 – India’s Defence Exports

17:20 – India’s Atmanirbhar Defence Capabilities

19:45 – Success of ‘Make in India’ in Defence

24:52 – India’s Defence Imports

27:59 – Chinese Components & Data Security Risks

29:02 – Use of AI in Modern Warfare

29:52 – India’s Indigenous Fighter Jet Programme

35:24 – Tejas Jet Delivery Status

38:25 – India’s BrahMos Missile Programme

39:35 – India’s Competitors in Defence Exports

42:02 – India’s AMCA Project

44:09 – Defence Firms Investing in R&D

49:09 – Defence Talent and Innovation in India

56:56 – India–Russia Defence Partnership

1:02:04 – S-400 and Operation Sindoor


Conversations that shape our world often happen behind closed doors or in the quiet moments after the headlines fade. ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash pulls up a chair to those discussions, offering a direct line to the minds of influential figures. Hosted by veteran journalist Smita Prakash, this series moves beyond the soundbite, creating a space where politicians, athletes, artists, and thinkers can explore the nuances of the issues that define contemporary India and global affairs. The dialogue here is driven by curiosity and a commitment to depth, allowing guests to elaborate on their perspectives, their decisions, and the personal experiences that inform their public lives. You will hear candid reflections on current events, policy debates, and cultural shifts, all through the lens of those at the center of the story. Produced by Asian News International, the podcast leverages a legacy of journalistic access and integrity, ensuring every conversation is both insightful and substantive. It’s more than an interview; it’s an opportunity to understand the motivations and narratives driving today’s news. For anyone looking to move past the surface and engage with the substance of politics, society, and human endeavor, this podcast provides a consistently thoughtful and compelling listen.
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ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash
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