India has lined up an ambitious Rs 10 lakh crore, 15-year ‘defence modernisation roadmap’ to make its Army, Navy and IAF truly “fighting forces” which are equipped to undertake the threats of the future. First unveiled in 2025 by the Defence Ministry, the ambitious plan aims to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI), hypersonic weapons, cyber defence systems, advanced unmanned platforms and enhanced battlefield networking in India’s armed forces to prepare for future warfare.
Vision and Strategic Objectives
The roadmap will focus on tri-service upgrading, and the goal is to enhance capabilities in all domains — land, sea, air, cyber and space. Its specific aims are closing the current capability gap, increase the operational technology development and maintain strategic detterence. At the centre of it is being self-reliant vis-a-vis imports through a strong domestic defence ecosystem that dovetails with the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign.
One of the key obliging document for enabling such a transformation is the Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap (TPCR-2025) which lays down the technological requirements for Indian Armed Forces for next fifteen years. It makes the goals of R&D clear to all defence industry players, both in the public and private sectors, as well as among startups.
Modernization Priorities by Service
Indian Army
The Army plans to buy 1,800-plus MBTs and 400-plus light tanks with state of the art systems. New-generation, more lethal artillery munitions and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) will enhance battlefield lethality and information gathering. The plan involves using soldier-specific technologies including exoskeleton for increased strength, smart body armour, helmets with artificial intelligence and systems based on the use of augmented reality for quantitative battlefield management. Considering advancing technology, the cyber security and electronic warfare capabilities are also being evolved to have spectrum dominance in upcoming wars.
Indian Navy
The Navy is focusing on the commissioning of one new nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and 10 next-generation destroyers, as well as landing platform docks and a series of advanced helicopters. The roadmap stresses on nuclear propulsion for warships and the enhancement of undersea warfare strengths with platforms such as submarines, including those which are fitted with air independent propulsion. Spending is on modernising coastal defence and enhancing MDA through satellite communications and space-based systems.
Indian Air Force
The Air Force intends to develop 20 stratospheric airships and 350 multi-mission drones for the purpose of enhancing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. Stealth UAV, high-power laser system and directed-energy weapons are added to achieve air superiority in complex threat environments. The upgradation of older fighter jets as well as the inclusion of new generation fighters such as the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) ensued a vital part in this modernisation process.
Enabling Technologies and Systems
A significant thrust is on adopting cutting-edge technologies such as:
- Hypersonic weapons capable of striking targets with unprecedented speed and accuracy.
- Directed energy weapons (e.g., lasers and microwave systems) designed for counter-drone and missile defence.
- Artificial Intelligence and Automation for enhanced decision-making, autonomous weaponry, and robotic logistics.
- Cyberwarfare capabilities to secure critical military networks against emerging threats.
- Space-based assets for communication, navigation, and early warning.
Indigenous Capability Development
In line with the ‘Make in India’ and Aatmanirbhar Bharat call, the road map focusses on achieving highest indigenous content through design research production innovation. The indigenous weapons systems including the Tejas fighter aircraft, Akash missile system and BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles are mainly developed in collaboration with private companies and MSMEs by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The government’s Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative promotes startups and technology development in defence.
More than 75 percent of new defence purchases will be from the domestic industry by 2030, an extraordinary jump from past decades and immeasurably reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. This programme also places India as a future global exporter of cutting-edge armament technologies.
Logistics, Infrastructure, and Human Resource Modernization
The proposal calls for a digital, cyber-resilient logistics network that makes use of artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain and the Internet of Things to facilitate smooth supply chains. The infrastructure development, which also included the forward bases and enhanced connectivity on borders, is seen as a key to maintaining operational readiness.
Reforms on the human resource side such as the Agnipath for recruitment seeks to make manpower in the military more versatile and technically trained. Simulation and real time body monitoring with training modules are being incorporated to increase combat readiness.
Geopolitical Context and Strategic Outlook
India’s roadmap is against the backdrop of a changing global and regional security scenario, characterised by modernisation races in adjacent countries, a higher focus on multi-domain warfare and next-gen technologies disrupting combat. India’s defence policy is going to depend on two pillars: technological edge and the strategic autonomy.
Not only will the holistic modernisation plan reinforce the country’s immediate defence capabilities, it will also act as a catalyst for continued growth via innovation, self-reliance and beneficial strategic collaborations abroad.
Conclusion
India’s Defence Modernization Plan for 15 Years: Vision to transform defence into future force with advanced technology and indigenous solutions “By entailing all domains and services, it will keep them agile, lethal and potent to overcome the intricate challenges of the 21st century,” according to an official.
Through further investment, policy support and innovation, India can effectively become a global defence technology leader, ensuring the nation continue to protect its sovereignty and increase strategic influence internationally.