Puneet Kora, the CEO of Samtel Avionics, recently emphasized that India's defense sector requires a strategic evolution. According to Kora, while the country has made strides in manufacturing defense equipment, true progress toward the national 'Viksit Bharat' goal requires India to own the underlying technology itself rather than relying on foreign designs or licensed production.

Kora argues that domestic ownership of technology is the necessary next step to ensure long-term national security and industrial independence. By transitioning from a manufacturing hub to a technology owner, India could better control its defense supply chain and reduce dependence on international partners. This perspective aligns with broader government initiatives aimed at boosting indigenous defense production, often referred to as 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' or self-reliant India.

While the report highlights the importance of this shift, it does not detail the specific policy mechanisms or financial investments required to achieve this level of technological sovereignty. The statement serves as a call to action for both the private sector and government policymakers to prioritize research and development over assembly-line manufacturing.