India’s Defence Production Shift: The Power of Cost-Effective & Low-Cost Military Strategy

India’s defence production ecosystem is undergoing a quiet but decisive transformation—one that prioritises cost-effective, low-cost, and scalable military capabilities without compromising combat readiness. This strategic intelligence report by Global Eye Intelligence examines how India is re-engineering its defence manufacturing and procurement model to balance two-front security challenges with fiscal discipline and long-term self-reliance.

The analysis unpacks India’s shift toward indigenous platforms, force multipliers like drones and UAVs, electronic warfare, cyber capabilities, and modernised artillery—systems that deliver disproportionate operational advantage at a fraction of legacy costs. It explores the growing role of DRDO, DPSUs, startups, and private industry under frameworks such as Make in India, iDEX, and DAP 2020, highlighting how India is replacing expensive imports with modular, upgradeable domestic solutions.

From air and naval platforms to armoured systems and missile forces, the report maps how affordability is becoming a strategic weapon—enabling sustained readiness, faster induction cycles, and export competitiveness. It also outlines how India’s defence exports and joint ventures are turning cost optimisation into geopolitical leverage.

Why this matters now: Defence power in the next decade will belong to nations that scale smartly, not those that overspend inefficiently. Missing this shift means misunderstanding India’s real military trajectory.