India’s defense technology market, currently valued at $7.6 billion in 2025, is projected to reach $19 billion by 2030, growing at an impressive compound annual growth rate of nearly 20%. This growth is largely driven by advancements in technology-led systems, which are expected to account for approximately 50% of the overall defense market by the end of the decade. However, the sector is facing a significant challenge due to a shortage of advanced engineering talent, with specialized roles in areas such as radar engineering, avionics, and quantum communication making up less than 5% of the workforce. The report from Quess Corp highlights that while over 1,000 defense-tech startups are emerging, 40-45% of critical roles may remain unfilled by 2030 without targeted skilling initiatives. The rapid expansion of areas like counter-drone technologies—projected to grow to $1.4 billion by 2029—underscores the urgency for cultivating a robust talent pipeline to enhance India’s competitiveness on the global stage and ensure timely delivery of advanced defense capabilities.