India Pivots to High-Tech Defense with $5.4 Billion Modernization Drive

India is accelerating its transition toward a high-tech, domestically-produced military arsenal, with the Ministry of Defence greenlighting procurement proposals worth approximately 520 billion rupees ($5.46 billion). The approvals, sanctioned by the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, signal a strategic pivot toward electronic warfare, unmanned systems, and advanced air defense.

Central to the Army’s modernization is the “Akash Tarang” electronic warfare system, designed specifically to counter the growing threat of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This move follows a global trend where low-cost drones have redefined modern battlefields, necessitating integrated, vehicle-mounted jamming and detection capabilities. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the DAC also approved the acquisition of Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) systems and Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM) to bolster infantry and air defense formations.

The procurement list highlights India’s intent to reduce its reliance on direct foreign imports by fostering joint ventures. For instance, the expansion of the artillery fleet includes 300 additional K-9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers. These 155mm/52 caliber guns are manufactured locally by L&T through a technical partnership with South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace. Similarly, the Air Force is set to receive 600 HAMMER precision-guided munitions, to be produced via a joint venture between Bharat Electronics Limited and France’s Safran Electronics & Defense.

For the Indian Navy, the focus shifts to sea denial and situational awareness. The DAC approved the purchase of Multi-Influence Ground Mines (MIGM) and ship-borne unmanned aerial systems (NSUAS). These acquisitions are complemented by the establishment of a Land-Based Test Facility (LBTF) dedicated to testing electric propulsion systems, a critical component for future stealth and endurance in naval operations.

The Air Force’s surveillance capabilities will see a futuristic upgrade through Fixed Wing High Altitude Pseudo-Satellites (FW-HAPS). These platforms are designed for persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, operating at altitudes that bridge the gap between conventional aircraft and orbital satellites.

The Ministry also moved to upgrade the Army’s immediate air defense layer with the V-SHORADS system, featuring multi-spectral sensors. This is expected to be supplemented by the Russian-designed Verba very short-range air defense systems, which reports indicate will be produced domestically by Adani Defence. Jet-engine powered kamikaze drones were also included in the approvals, offering the military a cost-effective strike capability with high survivability in contested environments.