India's Defence Firms Automate Amid Mega Orders, Workforce Shifts

• Defence Acquisition Council approved Rs 79,000 crore procurement proposals, signaling major defence orders.
• State-run defence companies (DPSUs) are undergoing a structural shift towards automation and advanced engineering.
• Many DPSUs like HAL, Bharat Dynamics, and Garden Reach Shipbuilders are reducing workforce by up to 33% since 2013.
• Conversely, MIDHANI, Mazagon Dock, and Goa Shipyard are expanding headcount due to specialized demand and strong order books.
• Private sector's share in defence output is projected to rise to 23.5% in FY25, indicating growing public-private collaboration.

Why It Matters: Indian defence manufacturing is modernizing, shifting to automation and private sector involvement despite surging orders.