India’s defense technology market, currently valued at $7.6 billion, is projected to reach $19 billion by 2030, driven by a compound annual growth rate of nearly 20%. This evolution marks a shift towards technology-led systems, expected to constitute 50% of the defense market, fueled by over 1,000 startups focusing on advanced areas such as counter-drone technologies and autonomous systems. However, the report indicates a critical shortage of specialized engineering roles, which could hinder critical capabilities in aircraft and unmanned systems, with 40-45% of positions potentially remaining unfilled by 2030. Addressing these gaps is vital for enhancing India’s defense readiness and global competitiveness, particularly in AI and advanced engineering domains.