MoD’s India's 15-year defence roadmap with AI, nuclear propulsion, hypersonic focus

In 2024–25, defence production touched a record Rs1.50 lakh crore, more than triple the 2014–15 level. Fighter jets, missile systems, artillery systems, warships, naval vessels, aircraft carriers and a lot more are now being made in India, underlining how strongly self-reliance and deterrence have become the cornerstone of national security. Defence exports grew 34 times over the last decade, reaching Rs 23,622 crore in 2024–25. Indian equipment is now exported to over 100 nations, including the United States, France, and Armenia

India’s defence expenditure has steadily increased under the present government, rising from Rs2.53 lakh crore in 2013–14 to Rs6.81 lakh crore in 2025–26. The focus is no longer only on acquiring weapons but also on building domestic capacity.

In 2024–25, defence production touched a record Rs1.50 lakh crore, more than triple the 2014–15 level. Fighter jets, missile systems, artillery systems, warships, naval vessels, aircraft carriers and a lot more are now being made in India, underlining how strongly self-reliance and deterrence have become the cornerstone of national security. Defence exports grew 34 times over the last decade, reaching Rs 23,622 crore in 2024–25. Indian equipment is now exported to over 100 nations, including the United States, France, and Armenia.

This success is a result of both reform and innovation. By streamlining regulations, opening up opportunities for private players, and prioritising indigenisation, the government has ensured that India is no longer only a large defence importer but also a rising exporter. It also clearly demonstrates the intent of the government that India will never be dependent on any other country for her security.

The Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020, revised from DPP 2016, prioritises the Buy (Indian – Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category for acquisitions, ensuring maximum reliance on local design, development, and manufacturing. This shift places Indian-IDDM projects at the top of the procurement pyramid.

The Make procedure was streamlined to encourage Indian industry to participate in design, development & manufacturing of defence platforms/systems. Projects under the Make categories, with procurement upto Rs 100 crore/year are earmarked for MSMEs.

The Strategic Partnership (SP) Model (2017) allows Indian firms to tie up with global OEMs, enabling technology transfer and joint infrastructure creation in India.

R&D has been opened to industry, start-ups, and academia, with 25% of the defence R&D budget earmarked for them.

DRDO has identified nine thrust areas for research: Platforms, Weapon Systems, Strategic Systems, Sensors & Communication, Space, Cyber Security, AI & Robotics, Materials & Devices, and Soldier Support.

The most recent and defining operation came in May 2025 with Operation Sindoor. In response to the killing of civilians in Pahalgam, India gave its armed forces full freedom of action. Using drones and precision munitions, they struck nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. More than hundred terrorists were eliminated, including individuals linked to the IC-814 hijacking and the Pulwama attack. Pakistan attempted retaliatory strikes through drones and missiles, but Indian counter-drone systems neutralised them.

The Ministry of Defence has released India’s 15-year Defence Plan, outlining an ambitious modernisation agenda that emphasises next-generation warfare, artificial intelligence, and indigenous technological development.

The roadmap prioritises a range of futuristic capabilities across the Army, Navy, and Air Force, highlighting India’s intent to integrate cutting-edge indigenous technologies into its combat arsenal.

The Indian Army’s planned acquisitions under the roadmap include over 1,800 main battle tanks, 400 light tanks, 6,00,000 artillery rounds, and multiple unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The plan signals a strong shift towards networked and automated ground capabilities capable of precision strikes and rapid manoeuvre.

For the Navy, the plan envisions one aircraft carrier, 10 next-generation destroyers, more than 10 landing platform docks, and advanced helicopters.

The Air Force component emphasises aerial innovation with 20 stratospheric airships, 350 multi-mission drones, stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), high-power laser systems, and directed energy weapons. These platforms are intended to strengthen surveillance, electronic warfare and precision strike capabilities.

The roadmap also places a strong focus on cyber defence, satellite-based communications, electronic denial bubbles, and anti-swarm drone systems. Such measures are designed to secure India’s military networks while providing tactical superiority across domains.

“The roadmap highlights India’s push to integrate cutting-edge indigenous technologies with future combat capabilities,” the MoD said, signaling a multi-domain modernisation strategy that spans land, sea, air, and space.

This roadmap is a path-breaking leap for India's defence sector, signaling a shift toward indigenous technology integration and multi-domain superiority. The plan aligns with India's push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

The roadmap also places a strong focus on cyber defence, satellite-based communications, electronic denial bubbles, and anti-swarm drone systems. Such measures are designed to secure India’s military networks while providing tactical superiority across domains.

“The roadmap highlights India’s push to integrate cutting-edge indigenous technologies with future combat capabilities,” the MoD said, signalling a multi-domain modernisation strategy that spans land, sea, air, and space.