NEW DELHI, JULY 3: In a major push to strengthen India's military preparedness, the Defence Ministry on Friday approved a massive ₹52,000-crore package to modernise the Army, Navy and Air Force, with the Indian Army emerging as the biggest beneficiary.
The approvals were cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, giving the armed forces the green signal to acquire a new generation of weapons and defence systems designed to tackle emerging threats on the battlefield.
For the Indian Army, the focus is on staying ahead of modern warfare.
It will receive new systems to detect and destroy enemy drones, portable anti-tank missiles for infantry soldiers, upgraded air defence weapons to shoot down enemy aircraft, helicopters and drones, improved protection systems for tanks, and jet-powered kamikaze drones capable of striking enemy targets with greater precision.
One of the major approvals is for Akash Tarang, an indigenous system that will protect Army formations from hostile drones, a growing threat seen in recent conflicts across the world.
Soldiers will also get lightweight anti-tank missiles that can be carried into difficult terrain, making them more effective against enemy armoured vehicles.
The Army's air defence umbrella will also become stronger with new medium- and very short-range missile systems capable of intercepting aircraft, helicopters and drones before they can attack.
Tanks, too, will become harder to destroy with advanced protection systems that can detect and neutralise incoming anti-tank missiles.
The Defence Ministry has also approved jet-powered kamikaze drones that can fly longer distances and accurately destroy high-value enemy targets while remaining relatively inexpensive compared to conventional weapons.
The Indian Navy will receive new underwater sea mines to restrict enemy naval movement, advanced ship-based unmanned aerial systems for surveillance, and a land-based testing facility for electric propulsion systems that will support future warships.
The Indian Air Force has been cleared to acquire High Altitude Pseudo Satellites—aircraft capable of staying in the sky for very long durations.
These platforms will continuously monitor border areas, gather intelligence, support communications and assist in surveillance without the need for frequent landings.
The latest approvals reflect India's growing emphasis on indigenous defence capabilities and preparedness for future warfare, where drones, electronic warfare, precision strikes and advanced surveillance are expected to play a decisive role.
The ₹52,000-crore modernisation package is aimed at significantly enhancing the combat readiness and operational capability of all three armed forces while boosting the country's self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
