Indian Army’s Ambitious Roadmap For Modernisation

PWOnlyIAS

July 08, 2025

Indian Army’s Ambitious Roadmap For Modernisation

At FICCI’s “New Age Military Technologies” conference, the Indian Army has unveiled a comprehensive modernisation roadmap aimed at transforming its capabilities across multiple domains.

  • Earlier, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) also decided to observe 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms’ to transform the Armed Forces into a technologically-advanced combat-ready force capable of multi-domain integrated operations.

Key Highlights of Indian Army’s Modernisation Roadmap

Strategic Synergy for Self-Reliance
  • Three-way Collaboration: Military (operational needs), Policymakers (enabling frameworks), Industry (innovative delivery).
  • Call for defence tech acceleration funds, faster regulatory clearances, simplified procurement.
  • Push for tech hubs, incubation centres, and an innovation ecosystem.
Advanced Weapon Systems & Strategic Deterrence
  • Development of ultra-fast, manoeuvrable weapons:
    • Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGVs)
    • Hypersonic Air-Breathing Engines (HEBs)
    • 4th, 5th, and 6th-generations precision missiles
  • Shift from conventional dump ammunition to:
    • Smart PGMs (Precision-Guided Munitions)
    • Loitering munitions for targeted, low-collateral strikes
Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs)
  • Deployment of high-energy lasers and microwave systems for:
    • Counter-drone operations
    • Missile defence
    • Anti-satellite (ASAT) capabilities
Cyber & Electronic Warfare (EW)
  • Aim: Spectrum dominance through:
    • Next-generation cyber defence tools
    • Autonomous EW solutions
    • Resilient satellite networks for secure communications
Soldier-Centric Modernisation
  • Focus on making the soldier more agile, resilient, and lethal:
    • Exoskeletons, human augmentation systems
    • Smart body armour, AR-based battlefield systems
    • AI-powered helmets, smart apparel, and real-time health monitoring
Smart Logistics & Infrastructure
  • Overhaul of logistics for a sustainable, cyber-resilient system:
    • AI, Blockchain, IoT integrated supply chains
    • Focus on green logistics and future-ready infrastructure

About Defence Modernisation

  • Refers: A continuous and strategic process aimed at upgrading a nation’s weapons, surveillance systems, and military technology.
  • Guided by: Threat perception, Operational requirements & Technological advancements
  • Cruciality: A strong defence infrastructure is crucial not only to deter aggression and ensure national sovereignty, but also to promote regional stability.

Need for Defence Modernisation

  • Enhancing Combat Capabilities: Upgrade military platforms with state-of-the-art weapons, advanced sensors, and precision-guided munitions to boost combat readiness.
  • Improving Operational Efficiency: Modernise logistics, communication, and command systems to enable rapid mobilisation, real-time decision-making, and efficient threat response.
  • Integration & Joint Operations: Promote inter-service synergy between the Army, Navy, and Air Force through Integrated Theatre Commands, common doctrines, and network-centric warfare capabilities.
  • Emergence of Hybrid Warfare: Modern threats are multi-dimensional and include:
    • Information Warfare: Gaining advantage by disrupting, stealing, or manipulating enemy information systems while securing one’s own.
    • Cyber Warfare: Attacking or defending critical digital infrastructure, such as military networks, satellites, and command systems.
    • Electronic Warfare: Using electromagnetic spectrum tools (like jamming) to disrupt enemy systems.
    • Weaponization of Space: Deployment of weapons in outer space capable of targeting satellites, ICBMs, or even ground assets.
  • These require high-tech solutions, such as AI-based systems, quantum communication, anti-satellite (ASAT) capabilities, and space situational awareness tools.

Indigenisation of Defence in India

Beginning: Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) (1983)

  • India launched the IGMDP to reduce dependence on imports by developing key missile systems:
    • Prithvi – Surface-to-surface
    • Akash – Surface-to-air
    • Trishul – Short-range naval missile
    • Nag – Anti-tank guided missile
    • Agni – Ballistic missile series
  • Despite progress, these efforts fell short of meeting armed forces’ full requirements.

Shift to Co-Development

  • India moved towards joint development and production with foreign partners.
  • Key example: BrahMos – a supersonic cruise missile, developed jointly by India and Russia.

Key Indigenisation Initiatives

  • Defence Procurement Policy (DPP 2016): Introduced Buy (Indian-IDDM) as the top priority category.
    • Gave preference to:
      • Buy (Indian)
      • Buy & Make (Indian)
      • Make over Buy (Global)
  • Digital Reforms
    • E-Biz Portal: Made Industrial License (IL) and Industrial Entrepreneur Memorandum (IEM) applications fully online.
    • Removed restrictions on annual capacity in industrial licenses.
  • Private Sector Participation
    • Issued Vendor Development Guidelines to involve Small Manufacturing Enterprises (SMEs) in defence production.
    • Promoted outsourcing by Defence PSUs and Ordnance Factory Board (OFB).
  • Corporatisation of Ordnance Factory Board (OFB)
    • To increase efficiency, agility, and accountability.
  • Level Playing Field
    • Introduced uniform custom duty across public and private players.

Major Indigenous Projects

  • INS Vikrant (IAC-1): First indigenous aircraft carrier for the Indian Navy.
  • Project 75 (Kalvari-class Submarines):
    • Built by Mazagon Dock Ltd., designed by France’s Naval Group (DCNS).
    • Includes INS Kalvari, Khanderi, Vela, S53–S55.
  • Arjun Main Battle Tank: Developed by DRDO as a third-generation main battle tank.
  • Dhanush: India’s first indigenous long-range artillery gun (“Desi Bofors“).
  • Pinaka: Multi-barrel rocket launcher system developed by Armament Research Development Establishment (Pune).
  • AGNI Series (including Agni V): Developed as part of strategic missile arsenal.
  • Nirbhay, Akash, Prithvi Missiles: Indigenous development under DRDO.
  • BrahMos: Indo-Russian supersonic cruise missile, a global success story.

India’s Initiatives for Modernisation of Armed Forces

  • 10-Year Integrated Capability Development Plan (ICDP): To align future procurement with evolving threats.
    • Prioritise capability building across space, cyber, and special operations domains.
  • Actively integrating Niche Military Structures: For the Defence Space Agency, Defence Cyber Agency, and Armed Forces Special Operations Division (AFSOD) for domain-specific warfare readiness.
    • Promote jointness and interoperability among the services.
    • Defence Space Agency – Strengthening military space-based operations.
    • Defence Cyber Agency – Building cyber warfare and cyber defence capacities.
    • Armed Forces Special Operations Division (AFSOD) – Focused on rapid response, cross-service special operations.
  • Boost Indigenous Manufacturing: By expanding the Positive Indigenisation List and leverage the SRIJAN portal to replace imports with domestic alternatives.
    • Positive Indigenisation Lists: Bans import of 400+ items to promote domestic production.
  • Innovation through Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX): Scaling up iDEX to fund more startups and MSMEs working on critical defence technologies.
    • Encourage Make-I and Make-II projects for co-development and co-production.
    • Funding of up to ₹1.5 crore for promising tech innovations.
    • Drives collaboration between military users and innovators.
  • Modernise Soldier Systems: Equipping troops with exoskeletons, AI-powered helmets, AR-based command systems, and smart body armour.
    • Ensure real-time health monitoring and integrated battlefield awareness.
  • Digitise Defence Logistics: Integrating AI, blockchain, and IoT into logistics and supply chains to create green, cyber-resilient, and efficient systems.
    • Use predictive analytics for maintenance and operational readiness.
  • Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs): A proposed structure for unified control of the Army, Navy, and Air Force under a single commander in a specific geographic area.
    • It aims to enhance operational efficiency by enabling seamless inter-service coordination and optimal use of combined resources.

Key Developments in India’s Defence Sector

  • Indigenous Defence Boost: 
    • Record defence production: ₹1.46 lakh crore (FY25)
    • Defence exports at all-time high: ₹24,000 crore
    • Positive Indigenisation Lists: 346+ items barred from import
  • Big-Ticket Defence Deals: 
    • ₹1.05 lakh crore contracts: armoured vehicles, missiles, EW systems
    • ₹62,700 crore for 156 LCH Prachand attack helicopters
    • $7.4 billion deal for 26 naval Rafale jets
  • Make-in-India Push: 
    • Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A fuselage by private sector
    • C-295 transport aircraft production by Tata-Airbus JV
    • Defence corridors in Uttar Pradesh & Tamil Nadu: ₹8,658 cr investment
  • Advanced Indigenous Weaponry: Hypersonic weapons, next-gen BrahMos under development
    • Project Kusha: Indigenous long-range SAM system
    • ATAGS howitzer, VSHORADS air defence trials underway
  • Drone & UAV Growth: Domestic drone market to hit $23 billion by 2030
    • ₹234 crore incentive post-Pakistan conflict
    • Rudrastra VTOL UAV: 170 km range, 1.5-hour endurance
  • Space & Surveillance: Phase III of military satellite constellation (52 satellites by 2027–28)
    • India–Australia pact on undersea surveillance tech
  • Cyber & Directed Energy Technology: Focus on spectrum dominance, autonomous EW, satellite resilience
    • Directed energy weapons (lasers, microwaves) in anti-drone/Anti-satellite (ASAT) roles
  • Naval Expansion: Commissioning of stealth frigates, missile barges, submarines
    • Indigenous sonar and undersea surveillance capabilities growing
  • R&D & Innovation: iDEX , backed by the Technology Development Fund (TDF) backed 619+ startups (AI, robotics, munitions)
    • DRDO Industry Academia Centres of Excellence (DIA-CoEs) expanded to 82 R&D verticals (lasers, cryptography, semiconductors)
    • The Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sector to touch $4 billion by 2031

Industry Partnerships for Advanced Technology

  • Promote Startup Ecosystems: Support dual-use tech and rapid prototyping via iDEX, DRDO-TDF, and defence incubators.
    • Build industry–DRDO–armed forces collaboration for faster deployment.
  • Expand Defence Corridors: Accelerate investment in Defence Industrial Corridors in UP and Tamil Nadu to develop a strong manufacturing base.
    • Offer tax and regulatory incentives for global OEMs to partner with Indian firms.
  • Liberalise FDI and IP Frameworks: Allow up to 74% FDI in defence R&D under the automatic route.
    • Create a robust framework for IP protection and tech transfer.

Challenges to Defence Modernisation

  • Financial Constraints and Procurement Bottlenecks: Despite a ₹6.81 lakh crore defence budget (FY 2025–26), only 26.4% is earmarked for new acquisitions, while over 50% goes to revenue expenditure (salaries & pensions).
    • Underutilisation of Capital Funds: Frequent underspending of capital allocations points to execution inefficiencies in procurement planning.
    • Slow Procurement and Red Tape: Despite DAP-2020 reforms, bureaucratic delays and long approval cycles persist—impacting critical projects like Tejas LCA and Project 75(I) submarines.
    • Overdependence on Imports: India remains the top arms importer (2019–2023), relying on foreign tech (e.g., jet engines for Tejas, S-400 systems), risking supply chain disruptions.
  • Technological Gaps and Indigenisation Hurdles: Despite progress, India still lags in AI, quantum, and sensor tech, with some estimates suggesting a 30-year gap in certain defence capabilities.
    • Production Constraints: Domestic production rose to ₹1.27 lakh crore in FY 2023–24, but critical component manufacturing like fighter jet engines remains weak.
    • Cyber and Electronic Warfare (EW) Vulnerabilities: With increasing networked operations, defence infrastructure is exposed to cyber threats. EW and cyber resilience needs further strengthening.
    • Low R&D Spending: DRDO received only ₹26,816 crore (3.94% of defence budget), while India’s total R&D spend is just 0.8% of GDP, much below global standards.
    • Limited Tech Absorption from Foreign Deals: Licensing issues, IPR limitations, and incomplete tech transfer restrict the benefits of global partnerships.
  • Structural and Organisational Challenges: Though private players contributed 21% to defence output in FY 2023–24, Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) still dominate, limiting innovation and competition.
    • Delays in Theatre Command Integration: Despite 2025 being declared the ‘Year of Reforms’, full implementation of Integrated Theatre Commands remains incomplete.
    • Skill Gaps in Human Capital: Lack of specialised personnel in AI, cyber, drone tech, and engineering. Concerns over Agniveer’s impact on long-term skill retention.
    • Geopolitical Uncertainty: China’s build-up along the LAC, and shifting global alliances, demand adaptive, tech-savvy, and agile force structures.

Recommendations of the High Level Vijay Raghavan Committee

  • Reset Focus: The DRDO should focus on its original R&D goal for defense. 
  • Refrain Engagements in Other Tasks: DRDO should refrain from involving itself in productization, production cycles, and product management. 
  • Establishment of Defence Technology Council (DTC): To determine the country’s defence technology roadmap and decide on major projects and their execution.
  • The Department of Defence Science, Technology and Innovation should be established.

Recommendation by the Shekatkar Committee:  

  • Increasing the retirement age for Specific Personnel: This could free up resources for the government to invest in other critical areas within the defence sector, like R&D and infrastructure development.

Recommendation by Vijay Kelkar Committee:  

  • To involve India’s leading private companies in defence production: Leveraging their expertise and manufacturing capabilities will be vital for Atmanirbharta in the defence sector.

Way Forward for Defence Modernisation

  • Optimise Budgeting and Procurement: Effectively utilise the ₹1.12 lakh crore earmarked for domestic capital procurement in FY 2025–26.
    • Digitise and Simplify DAP: Further reform the Defence Acquisition Procedure by introducing real-time digital tracking, reducing file movement time, and prioritising ‘Buy Indian’ categories.
    • Link Modernisation to Long-Term Plans: Align annual budgets with the 10-Year Integrated Capability Development Plan (ICDP) for funding continuity.
  • Accelerate Indigenous R&D and Innovation: Focus on hypersonics, DEWs, AI, autonomous systems, and quantum tech. Expand schemes like ADITI (Acing Development of Innovative Technologies).
    • Expand iDEX & TDF Outreach: Leverage iDEX, which already has 619 startups onboard and 430+ contracts. Create more innovation hubs and ease funding access.
    • Strengthen Defence Corridors & Indigenisation: Use the UP and TN Defence Corridors (₹8,658 crore+ investments) to increase indigenous capacity. Continue expanding the Positive Indigenisation List (5,500+ items).
    • Promote Defence Exports: Sustain the growth from ₹21,083 crore (FY 2023–24) towards the ₹50,000 crore goal by 2029. Export successes include BrahMos, Aakash, Pinaka, and private UAV systems.
    • Focus on Critical Component Indigenisation: Prioritise jet engines, semiconductors, and avionics to reduce foreign dependency and ensure strategic autonomy.
  • Strengthen Integration and Human Capital: Expedite formation of Integrated Theatre Commands, integrating tri-services and even Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) for efficient joint operations.
    • Build a Skilled Defence Workforce: Create specialised institutes in defence tech in partnership with global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and top academic institutions. Expand reskilling under Agnipath and beyond.
    • Enhance Cyber and EW Capabilities: Develop indigenous EW suites, autonomous cyber tools, and a possible National Defence Cyber Command (NDCC).
      • Recent systems like SANJAY (real-time battlefield surveillance system) mark progress.
    • Deepen Strategic Tech Partnerships: Focus on co-development agreements with full tech transfer, especially in missile systems, aerospace, and AI platforms.
  • Implementation and Strategic Reforms: Fully adopt the Raksha Mantri Committee Report (2022) to resolve issues related to jointness, grievance redressal, litigation, and modernisation delays.
    • Modernise Training Infrastructure: Integrate AI, VR, and robotics into training modules. Use simulation-based tools to reflect future warfare scenarios.
    • Adapt to Hybrid & Multi-Domain Threats: Balance investment between high-cost strategic systems and low-cost AI/robotic swarm solutions to counter hybrid threats.

Conclusion

India’s defence modernisation drive is ambitious and multifaceted, but must overcome structural, financial, and technological hurdles. A whole-of-government approach, with strong synergy between the military, industry, and policymakers, is vital to build a future-ready, self-reliant defence ecosystem capable of responding to emerging global threats.

Read More: Ministry of Defence’s Declare 2025 as a ‘Year of Reforms’

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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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