TCS, HCL, Wipro, Tech Mahindra could help develop India’s defence technology ecosystem

TCS, HCL, Wipro, Tech Mahindra could help develop India’s defence technology – Organizations like Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), HCL Technologies, Tech Mahindra, and Wipro aren’t known to be the most important players in defense — but they might be. The import ban on defense items announced by India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh might be a boon for Indian IT companies looking to explore new horizons.

Today warfare is fought not just on the bottom but also on the virtual battlefield. The US, Russia, and China are leading the planet when it involves cyber technology. India, though not staggeringly behind, is playing catch up.

“This offers opportunities for Indian IT companies like Tech Mahindra, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Wipro, and HCL Technologies, which have thus far played a restricted role within the Indian military’s technological modernization,” said Sameer Patil, a fellow at Mumbai-based thinktank Gateway House.

Why is cyber technology in defence so important?

It’s inevitable to deny the role of AI (AI), machine learning (ML), swarming drones, blockchain, and quantum computing, among other things when it involves future-proofing the military.

Even when a war is being fought on the bottom, navigation satellites do half the work. When it involves aircraft, data analysis by the digital modules on board is crucial for efficiency. Using Internet-of-Things (IoT) can boost the manufacturing of defence items.

In addition to the present, cyber technology plays a critical role in defending against advanced cyber threats, like deep fakes and social engineering attacks — like honey trapping Indian soldiers. Having better defences will keep data from getting weaponized against India.

IBM, as an example, provides the United States government with defence and national security solutions, which include military readiness and intelligence analysis.

Where do Indian IT companies come in?

The finer points of using IT in warfare can only be grasped through government-military-industry collaboration, consistent with Patil. “These companies can help the military better identify global technological trends,” he said.

Indian IT companies also can help identify critical technologies, especially people who could also be denied to India as a part of the International Strategic Export Controls regime — which incorporates restrictions on electronics, computers, and IT encompassing information security.

Some may argue that Tata Advanced Systems and other players are already active within the area. But none affect data. TAS’s role so far has primarily been on aeronautics and more recently on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones.

“The private sector has already established a particular degree of competency in cyber and has the required foreign tie-ups,” said Patil explaining the benefits of Indian IT companies. as an example, Tech Mahindra already features a partnership going with Israel’s Elta Systems to make cyber security-based products.

Given the speed at which technology is changing by the day, India has historically lagged when it involves next-generation weaponry. Having Indian IT companies like TCS, HCL Tech, Wipro, or Tech Mahindra on board could create the specified defence technology ecosystem faster.

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