India must make its defence chips end-to-end, say scientists
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At The Hindu Semiconductor Summit 2026, experts emphasized the urgent need for India to achieve end-to-end domestic defense chip production to secure network-centric weaponry. Industry leaders also highlighted that bridging the semiconductor talent gap requires practical, industry-ready skills rather than just academic credentials.
Securing the Future: India’s Strategic Shift Toward Sovereign Defense Semiconductors
At the recent SRM Presents The Hindu Semiconductor Summit 2026, held on October 27, 2026, a critical consensus emerged among India’s top defense scientists and industry leaders: the nation’s security architecture is currently tethered to the vulnerabilities of imported technology. As warfare transitions from traditional platform-centric engagements to complex, network-centric operations, the reliance on foreign-manufactured semiconductors for systems like the BrahMos cruise missile and the Sudarshan Chakra air defence shield presents a significant strategic risk.
The Imperative for End-to-End Sovereignty
Former DRDO Director General V.K. Saraswat, alongside experts A. Sivathanu Pillai and Deleep Nair, cautioned that waiting until 2030-35 to establish advanced nodes would be insufficient to meet modern threats. The panel argued that for India to maintain operational autonomy, it must transition to a model where semiconductors are designed, manufactured, and packaged entirely within its borders. This 'end-to-end' approach is not merely an industrial goal but a fundamental requirement for securing command, control, and communication networks that dictate the outcome of contemporary battles.
Redefining the Semiconductor Talent Gap
While the push for domestic manufacturing is clear, the path forward faces a significant human capital challenge. Contrary to the narrative of a simple numeric shortage, experts at the summit, including Ranjith Kumar T.C. of PRSsemicon Technologies, clarified that India possesses a vast supply of engineering graduates—with 15 to 20 lakh passing out annually from thousands of institutions. The core issue is an 'industry-readiness' gap. The sector requires engineers with deep, practical exposure across the entire semiconductor value chain, rather than candidates who possess only theoretical academic credentials.
Bridging Theory and Industrial Application
Success in the semiconductor mission, according to panelists, should not be measured by the number of certificates issued but by the generation of proprietary intellectual property and commercially viable products. This shift in focus necessitates a fundamental change in how engineering education is structured in India. By prioritizing practical experience and specialized training, the industry aims to cultivate a workforce capable of navigating the complexities of advanced lithography and sustainable manufacturing.
Future Trends and Strategic Outlook
The 2026 Summit served as a crucial platform for aligning the goals of academia, government, and the private sector. As global technology accelerates, the integration of AI into defense systems only heightens the need for secure, domestic silicon. The roadmap discussed at the event underscores a dual-track strategy: securing the defense supply chain through indigenous manufacturing while simultaneously reforming the engineering pipeline to meet the rigorous demands of the global semiconductor market. By addressing these structural challenges now, India aims to position itself as a resilient node in the global electronics ecosystem.
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