India’s defence structure battle tested but challenges remain

The Indian defence structure includes the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force, all under the Ministry of Defence and overseen by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). The President of India is the Supreme Commander, with executive authority vested in the Prime Minister and Cabinet. This integrated system is further supported by inter-service commands, the Central Armed Police Forces, and the Indian Coast Guard.

India has all the required instruments to formally manage its national security—Cabinet Committee on Security, National Security Council (which includes Strategic Policy Group, National Security Advisory Board and Joint Intelligence Committee), Defence Planning Committee and the Chief of Defence Staff.

The Indian Armed Forces, comprising over 1.4 million active personnel, stand as the world’s fourth-largest military. Post-independence, India's defence framework has significantly evolved manpower, operational readiness, procurement, and domestic production capabilities.

India’s defence strategic outlook has largely been shaped by the complex relations it bears with its neighbouring countries, primarily China and Pakistan.

India’s evolving defence approach has developed a more self-reliant and multi-dimensional military strategy. This approach combines traditional defence postures with economic iplomacy and strategic alliances. The country’s defence policies are moulded by its immediate regional threats and the need to engage in a broader security framework that asserts the voice of India, promotes stability and counterbalances powers.

The scientific adviser of the Defence Ministry is the secretary of DDR&D and the chairman of DRDO.

Important Contributions of DRDO: Missile Systems: Agni series for deterrence, Prithvi, Akash, Nag for various applications; Aerospace Technologies: LCA Tejas, PSLV, GSLV for satellite launches; Radar and EW Systems: Arudhra, Rohini radars, electronic warfare advancements; Naval Systems: Sonar systems, BrahMos supersonic cruise missile; Armoured Vehicles: Arjun tank and UAVs and Drones: Surveillance, combat UAVs, advancements in drone tech.

Besides the above, DRDO has also played an important role in the development of Nuclear Capabilities, Cyber Security, Biomedical Technologies, Strategic Technologies ( AI, Quantum Tech)

The Chief of Defence Staff is the Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee and acts as the Principal Military Adviser to Raksha Mantri on all tri-services matters.

The Indian military is ranked as the fourth most powerful in the world according to the Global Firepower (GFP) Index 2025, following the United States, Russia, and China. This ranking reflects the strength of the entire Indian armed forces, including its land, air, and naval capabilities, supported by factors such as a large personnel count, a substantial defense budget, and advancements in military technology. to address regional challenges.

As a nuclear power, India has significant strategic importance on the global stage, further contributing to its military strength.

The GFP Index considers various parameters, including defense technology, financial resources, logistics, and strategic positioning, to evaluate a nation's military power.

Beyond just military strength, India's large population, strong financial position, and status as a major coal producer also contribute to its significant global influence.

Furthermore, India is a nuclear power that hasn't signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty, which is another important factor in its global strategic role.

When it comes to ground warfare, India has a substantial number of vehicles. They have around 4,201 tanks, with about 3,151 estimated to be ready for action.

The total count of all types of military vehicles is quite high, at 148,594, with roughly 111,446 considered ready. For artillery, India possesses about 100 self-propelled units, with an estimated 75 ready, and a larger number of towed artillery pieces, around 3,975, with about 2,981 ready.

India has a considerable air force, with a total of 2,229 aircraft, of which an estimated 1,672 are ready to fly. This puts them in the 4th position globally in terms of total aircraft.

Specifically, their fighter jet fleet consists of 513 aircraft (about 23% of their total), with around 385 estimated to be combat-ready, also ranking them 4th. For ground attack, they have 130 aircraft (about 5.8%), with roughly 98 ready.

India's helicopter fleet is substantial, with 899 helicopters (40.3%) and an estimated 674 ready, ranking 4th. Within this, their attack helicopter inventory includes 80 aircraft (3.6%), with about 60 ready, placing them in the 8th position globally.

India's naval power includes a total of 293 assets, ranking 6th globally, with a combined tonnage of 593,603 tonnes, placing them 5th. They operate 2 aircraft carriers, ranking 3rd. Notably, they do not have any dedicated helicopter carriers.

The Indian armed forces suffer from significant manpower shortages, a lack of modern equipment, insufficient R&D and funding, and a siloed structure hindering coordination. The military also faces challenges with outdated technology in key areas like air defense and artillery, insufficient missile and ammunition stocks, and issues with operational readiness, including helicopter grounding and poor mechanised vehicle reliability.