India’s Defense Modernization: A Strategic Leap Towards Global Power and Self-Reliance
India is pursuing an ambitious defense strategy focused on strategic autonomy and enhanced military capabilities, driven by the “Make in India” initiative and the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” vision. This transformation aims to reshape national defense, influence projection, and contribute to regional stability by accelerating indigenous development of advanced weapon systems, overhauling procurement policies, and revitalizing domestic shipbuilding. The goal is to foster innovation, strengthen the industrial base, reduce import dependence, and bolster India’s international strategic position.
Fortifying the Skies: Advanced Air Defense Capabilities
Securing India’s airspace against sophisticated threats is a priority, leading to significant investments in indigenous development and strategic acquisitions by the Indian Army and Air Force.
Bolstering India’s Air Defense with Anant Shastra and Sudarshan
The Anant Shastra SAM System: An Indigenous Shield
The Indian Army has initiated a ₹30,000 crore tender to Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for five to six regiments of the ‘Anant Shastra’ surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems. Developed by DRDO, this indigenous Quick Reaction SAM (QRSAM) system is crucial for air defense along India’s borders with Pakistan and China. The procurement was expedited following “Operation Sindoor” in May 2025, highlighting the urgent need for advanced, mobile air defense against modern drone and advanced technology threats.
Anant Shastra is a mobile, quick-reaction system capable of searching, tracking, and engaging targets while on the move, with a firing range of approximately 30 km. It complements existing MRSAM and Akash systems, creating a layered defense architecture. It replaces aging Soviet-era units like the 9K33M2 “Osa-AK” and is vital for deployment along western and northern borders, especially given adversaries’ integration of advanced drones and AI-driven surveillance. The system is designed to neutralize drones, UAVs, fighter jets, and cruise missiles.
Development of Anant Shastra began as a DRDO project in July 2014, with extensive developmental and user trials between 2017 and 2019. Key milestones include a direct hit on a Banshee pilot-less target aircraft in November 2020 and successful interception of UAV swarms in an Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) test in August 2025. The tender issuance to BEL in September 2025 signifies its readiness for large-scale induction. With a projected 99% indigenous component, it embodies “Atmanirbhar Bharat” in defense.
The S-400 Sudarshan: A Game-Changer in Long-Range Air Defense
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially named its S-400 air defense missile system “Sudarshan.” Procured from Russia, this system was instrumental in thwarting Pakistani escalation attempts during “Operation Sindoor” in May 2025.
The S-400 Sudarshan can detect targets up to 600 km away and neutralize them at 400 km. It simultaneously tracks 100-300 targets and engages 36-72, countering fighter aircraft, UAVs, cruise, and ballistic missiles up to 30 km altitude. It employs four missile types, including the 40N6E with a 400 km reach, offering a versatile interception envelope. With Mach 14 missile speeds, rapid deployment (five minutes), and advanced counter-stealth radars, the S-400 significantly enhances India’s operational readiness and deterrence capabilities.
India has acquired five S-400 squadrons, with three operational and two more expected by 2026. Strategic deployments are in Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. It is considered a “game-changer” for the IAF, providing a formidable defense shield and strategic edge.
The Backbone of Defense: Boosting Domestic Manufacturing & Self-Reliance
The “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) initiative in defense is driven by boosting domestic manufacturing and self-reliance, evidenced by achievements of Indian companies and redefined national security policies.
Pioneering Indigenous Production: A Pillar of India’s Defense Modernization
MSA Global Tech: A Milestone in Indigenous Artillery Manufacturing
MSA Global Technology & Engineering Pvt Ltd is the first Indian company to indigenously manufacture all-metal rocket launcher barrels for the Grad BM-21 multiple rocket launcher system. This reduces reliance on foreign suppliers for critical pressure-bearing components.
Established in 2015-2016, MSA Global specializes in precision manufacturing for aerospace and defense. Development of these barrels involved collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), utilizing advanced materials research, metallurgical modeling, and stress-analysis simulations. Phase-1 firing trials with 15 live rockets validated their performance, safety, and consistency. This enhances operational readiness for the Indian Army and lays a foundation for future rocket systems. It highlights increasing private sector participation and the integration of MSMEs into the defense supply chain.
Redefining Counter-Terrorism: India’s Proactive ‘Operation Sindoor’ (2025)
“Operation Sindoor” in May 2025 marked a significant shift in India’s counter-terrorism strategy, moving towards a more proactive and punitive approach, following the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025 that killed 26 civilians. Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that major terrorist attacks would be met with a wartime response, emphasizing pre-emption as a sovereign right.
The redefined strategy for 2025 includes a “Punitive Deterrence Doctrine,” demonstrating a willingness to impose costs on the ecosystem enabling terrorism through precision cross-border strikes. These strikes utilized long-range precision-guided weapons, drone swarms, loitering munitions, and real-time fused intelligence, showcasing the critical integration of drones and advanced technology.
A 10-point national counter-terrorism policy is being implemented across military, intelligence, diplomatic, financial, societal, and technological domains. Key focuses include:
- Disrupting terror funding networks via a Counter-Terror Finance Command, tracking money laundering, curtailing hawala channels, and implementing FATF standards.
- Strengthening intelligence and technology with an AI-powered Digital Intelligence Integration Hub for predictive analytics and real-time threat assessment.
- Modernizing counter-terror operations with counter-drone and swarm defense, and securing borders using drones, satellite imagery, AI-powered analytics, and smart fencing.
Strategic Procurement and a Resurgent Shipbuilding Industry
India has enacted significant reforms and initiatives to streamline military procurement and revitalize its shipbuilding sector.
Streamlining Procurement for a Stronger Naval Future
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved ₹79,000 crore in weapon system proposals in October 2025 for all three services:
- Army: Nag Missile System (Tracked) Mk-II and Ground-Based Mobile ELINT Systems.
- Navy: Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) and Advanced Lightweight Torpedoes (ALWTs).
- Air Force: Collaborative Long Range Target Saturation/Destruction System (CLRTS/DS) with autonomous capabilities.
In December 2025, the DAC was set to approve another ₹80,000 crore in proposals, focusing on advanced Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) systems.
The Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2025: A New Blueprint for Acquisitions
The Ministry of Defence unveiled the Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2025 on September 14, 2025, overhauling the 2009 manual to streamline, simplify, and rationalize revenue procurement, promoting self-reliance and timely, cost-effective acquisition.
Key changes in DPM 2025 include:
- Fostering jointness among the three Services and maintaining high operational readiness.
- Robust promotion of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” through indigenization, innovation, and collaboration with public/private industries, MSMEs, startups, and academia.
- Simplified procurement rules and relaxation of financial penalties to incentivize vendors.
- Provisions for assured orders for up to five years for supplier predictability.
- Empowerment of Competent Financial Authorities (CFAs) at lower formations to expedite decision-making and payments.
- A dedicated chapter on innovation and indigenization.
- Abolition of the No Objection Certificate (NOC) requirement from Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) to foster competitive bidding and private sector participation.
Navigating Towards Self-Reliance in Shipbuilding: A Key Aspect of India’s Defense Modernization
India is significantly bolstering its domestic shipbuilding ecosystem with a combined outlay of ₹44,700 crore through the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme (SBFAS) and the Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS).
The initiative aims to:
- Revive the domestic shipbuilding industry and enhance global competitiveness.
- Create long-term capacity (projected to reach approximately 4.5 million gross tonnage per annum by 2047).
- Foster job growth and boost domestic manufacturing aligned with “Make in India.”
- Reduce import dependence for trade, logistics, and energy transportation, strengthening maritime security and economic resilience.
SBFAS: Allocated ₹24,736 crore, providing financial assistance of 15% to 25% of the contract value per vessel, with incentives for series orders and a Shipbreaking Credit Note.
SbDS: Allocated ₹19,989 crore, supporting long-term capacity creation. It offers 100% capital support for new greenfield shipbuilding clusters and up to 25% capital assistance for brownfield expansion of critical infrastructure in existing shipyards.
An India Ship Technology Centre under the Indian Maritime University will support research, design, innovation, and skills development. Both schemes are active until March 31, 2036, with a potential extension up to 2047, reflecting India’s long-term vision to improve its global shipbuilding ranking and nurture demand for eco-friendly vessels.
Conclusion: India’s Confident Stride Towards Strategic Autonomy
India’s Defense Modernization is characterized by decisive action, strategic foresight, and a commitment to self-reliance. This includes the indigenous Anant Shastra SAM system, the S-400 Sudarshan for air superiority, pioneering domestic manufacturing of components like BM-21 Grad barrels, and a revamped counter-terrorism doctrine exemplified by Operation Sindoor.
Institutional reforms like the DPM 2025 are streamlining procurement, fostering jointness, and promoting private sector participation. Massive investments in shipbuilding through SBFAS and SbDS aim to make India a global maritime power, reduce import dependence, and generate economic growth. This integrated approach, driven by “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” aims to secure national interests, project influence, and cement India’s role as a capable global actor. The continuous focus on indigenous production, next-generation technologies, and a robust defense industrial base signifies a nation confident in its trajectory and poised for future strategic achievements.
About the Author
