If No Chip Self-Reliance, Risk Of Failing In Future Conflicts: DRDO Units, Pg7

Key Highlights:

• DRDO experts warned that lack of semiconductor self-reliance by Viksit Bharat 2047 risks India's future conflict capabilities.
• India is developing a new, centralized air raid warning system to replace outdated, unstandardized sirens.
• The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) is leading this effort, utilizing cell broadcast technology.
• Nationwide trials are underway, initiated after the lessons learned from Operation Sindoor in May 2025.

Detailed Insights:

• DRDO highlighted India's dependence on imports for 90% of its chip industry despite a significant design workforce.
• This dependence poses a severe risk in future conflicts driven by artificial intelligence, cyber technologies, and space power.
• The new air raid system aims for uniformity and efficiency, replacing disparate state-level purchases post-Operation Sindoor.
• C-DOT, under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), is collaborating with the Director General, Civil Defence.
• Cell broadcast technology enables remote, geo-fenced activation of sirens via text messages from a central system.
• Trials have been conducted in border states like Rajasthan and coastal states such as Maharashtra, assessing sound reach and technical connectivity.
• Operation Sindoor involved Indian strikes on terror camps in Pakistan, followed by Pakistani drone and missile responses.
• The same cell broadcast technology was previously launched nationwide for disaster management alerts in May 2026.
• Local factors, such as Mumbai's urban skyline, are being considered to optimize siren placement and effectiveness.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Viksit Bharat 2047: India's vision to become a developed nation by the 100th year of its independence.
• Semiconductor Self-Reliance: Domestic capability in designing, manufacturing, and deploying semiconductor chips.
• Cell Broadcast Technology: A public warning system sending messages to all mobile phones in a designated area.
• Civil Defence: Measures taken by civilians to protect themselves and their property from attack or disaster.