Defence in Union Budget 2026-27

Post–Operation Sindoor and rising two-front security risks, the Union Budget 2026–27 sharply boosts defence capital spending to accelerate modernisation and indigenisation.

Key Highlights of the Defence Budget Allocation

• Record Overall Outlay: The FY2026–27 defence budget stands at ₹7.85 lakh crore, the highest ever, marking a 15% year-on-year increase and accounting for 14.7% of total Union expenditure and 2% of the estimated GDP for the next financial year 2026-27.
• Sharp Rise in Capital Expenditure: Capital outlay has increased to ₹2.19 lakh crore, nearly 22% higher than last year, raising its share to about 28% of the total defence budget, signalling a clear pivot to modernisation.
• Support for Indigenous Procurement: Nearly 75% of the capital acquisition budget (₹1.39 lakh crore) is reserved for domestic industry, reinforcing the Aatmanirbhar Bharat push in defence manufacturing.
• Rationalisation of Revenue Components: The share of pensions (21.8%) and salaries (22.4%) has declined compared to FY20 levels, easing long-standing pressure on revenue expenditure.

Targeted Segments of Spending

• Military Modernisation: Funds are directed towards next-generation fighter aircraft, submarines, warships, UAVs, drones, precision-guided munitions, and smart weapons, addressing capability gaps exposed in recent operations.
• War Preparedness and Stockpiling: Higher capital spending supports replenishment of war wastage reserves, especially ammunition and loitering munitions depleted during Operation Sindoor.
• Indigenous Defence Industry: Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), MSMEs, and private players benefit through Buy Indian – Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured (Buy Indian–IDDM) and other indigenous procurement routes, boosting domestic supply chains.
  • Buy Indian–IDDM  is a procurement category under the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) that gives top priority to defence equipment that is designed, developed, and manufactured in India, with high indigenous content.
• Emergency and Fast-Track Procurement: The budget reflects the institutionalisation of emergency procurement mechanisms, enabling rapid induction of critical technologies such as anti-drone systems and long-range strike assets.

Need for Higher Defence Expenditure

• Changing Geopolitical Environment: India faces a persistent two-front challenge from China and Pakistan, alongside regional instability, demanding sustained investment in deterrence and readiness.
• Lessons from Operation Sindoor: The operation highlighted shortfalls in ammunition depth, air defence, and rapid induction capabilities, necessitating higher and more flexible capital allocations.
• Breaking the Committed Liabilities Trap: Historically, large portions of capex were locked into past contracts, limiting new acquisitions. The current hike creates fiscal headroom for fresh big-ticket contracts like AMCA and Project 75I submarines.
• Shift from Manpower to Technology: Modern warfare increasingly relies on technology, precision, and networked platforms, making capital expenditure essential relative to salaries and pensions.
• Boosting Self-Reliance and Economic Spillovers: Higher defence spending supports indigenisation, job creation, technology transfer, and exports, aligning security objectives with economic development.

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Conclusion

The increase in defence capital spending in the Union Budget 2026–27 reflects a strategic recalibration rather than routine expansion. Shaped by recent operational experience, evolving threats, and the maturity of India’s defence industrial base, the budget prioritises modernisation, preparedness, and self-reliance.

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