New Delhi: India has announced an unprecedented 15-year defence modernization roadmap worth several hundred billion dollars, marking the most comprehensive military transformation since independence. The ambitious programme encompasses over 200 advanced systems across all three services, with cutting-edge technologies, including nuclear propulsion, electromagnetic launch systems, hypersonic missiles, and directed energy weapons forming its core.
The Ministry of Defence unveiled the roadmap based on its Technology Vision and Capability Roadmap, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Viksit Bharat @ 2047” vision and the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat self-reliance mission. With defence spending reaching a record ₹6.81 lakh crore (approximately $78.4 billion) for financial year 2025-26, representing a 9.53% increase, India is positioning itself among the world’s leading military powers.
Nuclear-powered Navy
The most ambitious component involves nuclear propulsion for at least 10 future Indian Navy surface combatants, including a new aircraft carrier. The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre is developing a 190MW nuclear reactor specifically for P77 nuclear attack submarines and S-5 ballistic missile nuclear submarines.
India’s nuclear submarine capabilities have already demonstrated significant progress. INS Arihant and INS Arighat are operational, with INS Aridhaman expected for commissioning soon. These submarines, powered by 83MW pressurized water reactors, represent India’s indigenous nuclear deterrent capability.
The ₹70,000 crore Project-75I initiative will deliver six conventional submarines equipped with air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems, extending underwater endurance from two days to nearly three weeks. ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems has been selected as the foreign partner, working with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders under the “strategic partnership” model.
EMALS debut
India has achieved a breakthrough in electromagnetic aircraft launch systems (EMALS), with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully testing scaled demonstrators capable of launching 400-kg payloads within 16–18 metres. The full-scale system, designed for platforms weighing up to 40 tonnes, would make India only the third country after the United States and China to deploy such technology.
The system offers significant advantages over traditional steam catapults, including greater launch flexibility and reduced maintenance requirements. Integration into the proposed Indigenous Aircraft Carrier III would create a 65,000-tonne platform supporting advanced fighter operations and unmanned combat systems.
Hypersonic weapons
India has achieved an unprecedented milestone in hypersonic technology, successfully testing scramjet engines for over 1,000 seconds – a duration unmatched globally. The Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) has developed active-cooled scramjet combustors capable of sustained operation at speeds exceeding Mach 5.
This breakthrough builds on the hypersonic technology demonstrator vehicle” (HTDV) programme, which achieved Mach 6.5 sustained flight for over 20 seconds in September 2020. The Indian Army requires at least 500 scramjet-propulsion hypersonic missiles, providing rapid payload delivery and the ability to penetrate advanced air defence systems.
Autonomous warfare systems
The Ghatak unmanned combat aerial vehicle represents India’s entry into autonomous warfare. This 13-tonne flying-wing platform features low radar cross-section design and is powered by the indigenous dry Kaveri engine, which provides over 1,000-kilometre combat radius with 5–8 hours endurance.
The Indian Air Force plans to acquire at least 150 Ghatak UCAVs across 8-9 squadrons. The platform includes both strike and air-superiority variants, with internal weapons bays carrying 1.5 tonnes of precision-guided munitions. Prototype fabrication by Larsen & Toubro is progressing, with flight trials scheduled for late 2025.
Directed energy weapons
India has successfully demonstrated the DURGA (directionally unrestricted ray-gun array) programme with the 30-kilowatt “Sahastra Shakti” laser system, proven effective against drones and aerial threats. The system features advanced electro-optical tracking and automated kill assessment algorithms.
DRDO is developing both kilowatt-class systems for smaller platforms and megawatt-class variants for larger aircraft. The programme includes tactical applications for soft-skinned targets and strategic capabilities for hardened targets.
Artificial intelligence integration
India has initiated over 75 AI projects across the armed forces, with the Department of Defence Production allocating approximately $12.6 million annually for AI development. Key initiatives include AI-enabled voice transcription software, driver fatigue monitoring systems, and advanced battlefield management platforms.
The Defence Cyber Agency, operational since November 2019, manages cybersecurity across all services. Recent initiatives include “Cyber Suraksha,” a national cybersecurity exercise designed to enhance India’s cyber defence readiness against evolving threats.
Space-based surveillance
India plans to launch 52 dedicated defence satellites by April 2026, significantly enhancing ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) capabilities. The ₹26,968 crore space-based surveillance programme includes collaboration between Isro and private sector partners, with satellites equipped with Synthetic Aperture Radar and advanced sensors across multiple orbits.
The programme addresses urgent surveillance requirements and real-time situational awareness, particularly given China’s military satellite fleet growth from 36 in 2010 to over 1,000 in 2024, including 360 dedicated ISR platforms.
Next-generation combat vehicles
The future-ready combat vehicle (FRCV) programme represents a complete transformation of India’s armoured capabilities, with 1,770 units planned to replace the ageing T-72 fleet. The ₹60,000 crore programme emphasizes AI-powered fire control systems, integrated reconnaissance drones, and advanced protection against modern threats.
Key features include hunter-killer modes, automatic target detection, and network-centric warfare capabilities. The prototype is scheduled for completion by 2028, with manufacturing beginning in 2030 under “Make in India” requirements.
Electronic Warfare Advancement
India has deployed sophisticated electronic warfare systems including the Samyukta integrated platform across 145 vehicles, providing surveillance, interception, and jamming capabilities. Recent deployments include high-frequency jamming systems along the Indo-Pakistan border designed to disrupt Global Navigation Satellite System signals.
AI integration has revolutionized electronic warfare capabilities, enabling real-time signal classification, threat analysis, and autonomous jamming execution, significantly reducing response times.
Counter-drone capabilities
India has developed comprehensive counter-drone systems including the D4 platform by DRDO and Bharat Electronics, capable of both signal jamming and laser destruction. The Indrajaal Autonomous Drone Defence Dome provides AI-powered protection across 4,000 square kilometres.
These systems proved effective during Operation Sindoor, successfully neutralizing Turkish drone swarms launched by Pakistan, demonstrating the maturity of indigenous defensive capabilities.
Implementation Challenges
The programme’s success requires substantial industrial capacity expansion, skilled workforce development, and sustained research investment. The government’s emphasis on 75% domestic procurement provides both opportunities and pressures for Indian defence industry growth.
With over 200 systems across three services, coordination mechanisms must ensure complementary capability development without redundancy. The government’s decision to observe 2025 as the “Year of Reforms” indicates recognition of necessary procedural changes for programme success.
What does this mean?
This modernization programme positions India among the world’s most capable military powers by 2040. The emphasis on indigenous development ensures technological advancement contributes to industrial growth and strategic autonomy.
Success will depend on sustained political commitment, adequate resource allocation, and effective coordination between stakeholders. The strategic implications extend beyond military capabilities to encompass India’s position in global defence markets and regional security architecture.
The programme represents both a defensive necessity and an opportunity to shape the future strategic environment, transforming India from a defence equipment importer to a technology leader in an increasingly complex global security landscape.
