The Defense Research and Development Organization of India admits that the Thunderbolt-15E is a good weapon.

The picture shows China's PRI-15E air-to-air missile (data map)

According to the U.S. National Interest website and the Indian Defense News Network on the 25th, the Indian side is seeking to replicate China-made uranium-15E air-to-air missiles.

During the four-day conflict in India-Pakistan in May this year, India obtained a Pakistani air force-launched but unexploded uranium-15E. For several months, India¡¯s major military science agency, the Defense Research and Development Organization, has been studying the missile. The Defense News Network said that uranium-15E is known for its dual-pulse solid rocket engine, active radar guided launch and advanced data chain ¨C features that give it a clear advantage in long-range air combat. By carefully studying these systems, Indian scientists can better understand its technological path.

The Defense Research and Development Organization of India recognizes that the Uranium-15E is a good weapon. However, the Indian side is not simply copying the Uranium-15E. The National Interest website says that given the weapon's excellent performance, India is now integrating its unique design and structure into their independently produced "Astra" series of missiles, improving its range, mobility and resistance to interference. By enhancing the performance of the "Astra" missiles, India strives to become a regional supplier while reducing its reliance on high-end air-to-air missile imports.

Air test of Astra missile (data map)

Source: Reference News

Extended reading

"Reduce dependence on foreign countries", the Indian army will comprehensively investigate Chinese-made parts

According to India Today local time on July 2, the Ministry of Defense will launch a comprehensive military procurement review to examine Chinese-made components supplied to the armed forces and assess vulnerabilities in the defense supply chain. Although current strict regulations have explicitly prohibited the use of Chinese-made components in military equipment, the latest report shows that some companies may still be purchasing Chinese-made components for manufacturing products for defense purposes.

At a recent event, C.S. Mann, deputy director of the Indian Army Design Bureau Mann) reiterated the Army's goal of eliminating China-made parts from its suppliers. He claimed that reducing dependence on foreign countries, especially China, remains a key priority in addressing potential security risks.

The report said that as the new review was introduced, the investigation found that some suppliers exaggerated the number of their local components. Key components often date back to China and sometimes even transshipped through third countries. In particular, drones and anti-drone systems have become sensitive areas that have received close attention.

On May 19 local time, Indian Army soldiers conducted military exercises on the Indo-Pakistani control line.

As an important part of the 2025 comprehensive reform plan, the Indian Defense Ministry may appoint an external agency to verify domestication rates, grasp supply chain dependency charts, and conduct a detailed assessment of cost structures and technology transfer processes.

At the same time, consultants hired by the Indian Ministry of Defense will also assess patent ownership and investigate whether private companies underestimate development costs, as this could lead to late-term prices.

Reported that in February this year, after discovering the use of China parts, the Indian Ministry of Defense canceled the drone purchase order on the grounds of so-called "national security risks." Now, with the launch of a new review mechanism, officials believe more defense hardware may need to undergo rigorous inspections to ensure full compliance with security guidelines.

Since the tense situation between India and Pakistan in early May this year and the launch of Operation Sindoor by India, the Indian Ministry of Defense has accelerated the pace of equipment procurement, and at the same time, it has also strengthened the scrutiny of suppliers who may use Chinese-made parts in the equipment of frontline troops.

India Today said that under the "Make in India" initiative, the Indian Army is still working hard to find and support Indian companies that have the ability to manufacture key components domestically.

However, on March 21 this year, Reuters quoted four government officials as saying exclusively that the government led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had decided to terminate a $23 billion plan aimed at stimulating domestic manufacturing. The Production Linked Incentive Program (PLI) was launched only four years ago, and its original intention was to attract companies to leave China.

It is reported that through the plan, the Indian government originally hoped to increase the proportion of manufacturing in the economy to 25% by 2025, and promised to receive cash rewards if companies complete their production targets before the deadline. Public records show that about 750 companies, including Apple supplier Foxconn and Indian conglomerate Reliance Industries, have signed up to the PLI.

Two of the officials said the plan would not now be expanded beyond the 14 pilot industries and that production deadlines would not be extended despite requests from some participating companies. Government documents and correspondence obtained by Reuters showed that many companies participating in the plan failed to start production, while others that met production targets found that the Indian government was slow to pay subsidies.

As of October 2024, participating enterprises have produced $151.93 billion worth of goods under the scheme, accounting for 37% of India's set target, according to an undated analysis of the scheme compiled by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. According to the documents, India released only $1.73 billion in incentive funds, or less than 8% of the allocated funds.

"If this kind of big plan fails, what else do you expect to succeed?" Some Indian think tank scholars believe with disappointment that PLI may be India's last opportunity to revitalize its manufacturing industry. Now that the opportunity seems to have been missed, the Modi government needs to redouble its efforts to attract more foreign investment.