The Indian Army’s efforts under the Make-II category represent a transformative push toward self-reliance and innovation in defence technology.
The Make-II project focuses on industry-funded prototype development for critical defence systems and equipment. Under this procurement category, the government assures procurement orders upon successful completion, considering the financial risks for vendors.
Unlike Make-I, where the government funds the development, Make-II projects require the Indian industry to invest in designing and developing prototypes—an approach that encourages domestic companies to innovate and co-develop advanced technologies with the Army.
The Make-II category is meant for import substitution with a minimum of 50 percent indigenous content.
Currently, the MAKE category which includes Make-I, Make-II, and Make-III, has nearly 145 projects ongoing. Of this, the Army is progressing with close to 45 Make-II projects, of which 19 are suo moto.
All these projects are worth Rs 1,13,000 crore which offer a push to the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative to promote self-reliance in defence technology.
These projects focus on industry-funded prototype development, where Indian vendors design and develop innovative solutions.
Make-II projects reduce dependence on imported systems by fostering indigenous capabilities in high-end technology areas such as weapon systems, ammunition, as well as modern training platforms.
By identifying operational needs and inviting industry participation, the Indian Army is modernising its capabilities and strengthening the domestic defence manufacturing base—reducing reliance on imports, and positioning India as a global player in defence innovation.
As a result, it has approved several groundbreaking projects under the Make-II framework.
The strategic impact of the Make II is such that it represents a significant shift in India’s defence procurement strategy. Apart from being self-reliant on the battlefield, the goal is that the defence sector’s choice to be indigenous contributes to economic growth while reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. It helps in retaining intellectual property within India. The development of cutting-edge technologies ensures that India’s military capabilities align with contemporary warfare requirements.
The first contract under Make II was signed for Manoeuvrable Expendable Aerial Target (MEAT) in January 2022. This system is designed to simulate aerial threats during live-fire exercises, providing a reusable and cost-effective tool to enhance air defence training.
The second contract for Upgraded Assault Track Way (UATW) was signed on 28 February 2023. It is a next-generation, modular track-laying system developed under the Indian Army’s Make-II initiative to enhance the mobility of heavy vehicles and equipment across difficult, underdeveloped, or desert terrain.
The development of Terminal Guidance Munitions, Multirole Precision Kill System, Directed Energy Weapon System (DEWS), Armoured Fighting Vehicle Protection, and Counter Drone systems are some of the niche technologies that were identified for induction through the Make II route.
Innovations such as Infantry Training Weapon Simulator and Medium Range Precision Kill System enhance training efficiency and precision strike capabilities, addressing critical gaps in real-time combat scenarios.
Furthermore, encouraging private sector innovation, Make-II projects empower Indian vendors, including MSMEs and startups, to develop cutting-edge solutions tailored to military needs.
Furthermore, in March 2025, Zen Technologies received an order worth approximately Rs 152 crore for its Integrated Air Defence Combat Simulator (IADCS). This simulator, designed for use with the legacy L70 air defence gun, enables realistic, software-based training, allowing operators to maintain high levels of operational preparedness while reducing the need for live firing.
In July 2024, Apollo Microsystems was selected to develop the Vehicle Mounted Counter Swarm Drone System (VMCSDS) under the Make-II framework. This project addresses the increasing threat posed by drone swarms and the necessity for agile, mobile counter-drone solutions. The contract was awarded with no upfront cost obligation and includes an 85-week delivery timeline.
Together, these contracts highlight the Make-II model’s ability to foster indigenous innovation, accelerate the delivery of advanced capabilities, and reduce reliance on imports, marking a significant shift in India’s defence procurement landscape.