INDIA IS FIGHTING FIT

In 2024, India's defence sector witnessed substantial developments in vehicle modernisation, infrastructure enhancement, and strategic partnerships, writes Ashish Bhatia.

- Ashish Bhatia

With increasing regional security challenges and an emphasis on self-reliance, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has taken significant steps to bolster the nation’s military capabilities. The budget allocation of Rs.6.22 lakh crore for FY 202425 marked a 4.79 per cent increase over the previous year, reinforcing the government’s commitment to strengthening India’s defence ecosystem.

Defence vehicles modernisation

Modernisation of India’s defence vehicles remains a top priority, with a focus on indigenous manufacturing and technological advancements. DRDO played a pivotal role in this transformation, successfully testing hypersonic missile technology capable of exceeding Mach 5 speeds. This breakthrough places India among an elite group of nations with such strategic deterrence capabilities. The induction of the K9 Vajra-T self-propelled howitzers further bolstered the Indian Army’s artillery. The MoD allocated Rs.1.72 lakh crore for capital acquisitions, facilitating the procurement of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), and next-generation combat vehicles. Additionally, the Arjun Mark-1A main battle tank, developed by DRDO, underwent successful field trials, solidifying its role in India’s armoured formations. Meanwhile, efforts to upgrade the indigenous Light Combat Vehicle (LCV) and Infantry Combat Vehicles (ICVs) advanced significantly, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Infrastructure development and strategic connectivity