What is the Modi government's 15-year defense roadmap unveiled after Operation Sindoor?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 15-year defense roadmap aims for modernization.
- Inclusion of cutting-edge technology in military assets.
- Focus on addressing 21st-century threats.
- Strategic responses to global conflicts.
- Emphasis on AI and space warfare.
New Delhi, Sep 5 (NationPress) Four months post Operation Sindoor, which highlighted the strategic proficiency of the Indian security forces, the Modi administration has unveiled a comprehensive 15-year defense roadmap. This initiative aims to revolutionize India’s armed forces with substantial investments and state-of-the-art technology.
A recent report by NDTV details the roadmap's provisions, which encompass the inclusion of nuclear-powered warships, next-generation battle tanks, hypersonic missiles, stealth bomber drones, AI-driven weaponry, and advancements in space-based warfare.
Notably, the Indian Army is set to introduce approximately 1,800 future tanks to phase out the outdated Soviet-era T-72 fleet, alongside 400 light tanks designed for mountain operations, 50,000 tank-mounted anti-tank guided missiles, and over 700 robotic counter-IED systems.
Meanwhile, the Navy is poised to receive a new aircraft carrier, 10 next-gen frigates, 7 advanced corvettes, and 4 landing dock platforms. The report indicates that nuclear propulsion for warships has been authorized, along with the integration of electromagnetic aircraft launch systems.
The Air Force will enhance its capabilities with the acquisition of 75 high-altitude pseudo-satellites, 150 stealth bomber drones, hundreds of precision-guided munitions, and more than 100 remotely piloted aircraft.
This roadmap marks a significant and audacious move to bolster India’s security framework, which now incorporates AI, space warfare, and other crucial areas, especially in light of insights gained from current conflicts such as those in Russia-Ukraine, Israel-Gaza, and the concluded war involving Israel-Iran-America.
In recent years, particularly following Operation Sindoor, discussions within the Indian security establishment have intensified regarding the evolving nature of warfare tactics and how India should equip itself to confront 21st-century threats.
Importantly, CDS Anil Chauhan delivered a speech in Gorakhpur on Friday, outlining six security challenges facing India. Among these, he identified the unresolved border dispute with China as India’s “biggest challenge,” recalling that such tensions have previously ignited conflicts in 1947, 1962, and 1965. Another significant challenge arises from Pakistan’s proxy war strategy of “bleeding India by a thousand cuts.”