PATH TO DEFENCE AUTONOMY

India's 15-year defence roadmap redefines military power through AI, hypersonics and indigenization, steering towards a tech-driven, self-reliant future

- 

In September ‘25, India rolled out its 15-year defence roadmap - an expansive strategy aimed at transforming the military strength across land, air, sea, and space.

Spanning over 200 weapon systems and next-generation technologies, the plan envisions a future driven by artificial intelligence, hypersonic platforms, directed-energy systems, autonomous capabilities, and nuclear-powered naval assets.

Beyond enhancing combat readiness, the roadmap places self-reliance and indigenization at the core of India’s defence ecosystem. It seeks to equip the armed forces with the agility and technological edge to tackle emerging regional and global challenges, while simultaneously creating a long-term growth opportunity for domestic defence manufacturers. Both state-owned and private players stand to benefit as India moves to deepen local production, strengthen integration, and build a globally competitive defence supply chain.

HEAVY PLATFORMS AND AUTOMATED WARFARE

The Indian Army, still the world’s second-largest in manpower, is undergoing a structural transition towards automation, precision, and high-mobility warfare. Central to its plan is the induction of 1,800 next-generation main battle tanks and 400 light tanks.

The Zoravar light tank programme, jointly developed by DRDO and L&T Defence, exemplifies this shift. Tailored for high-altitude operations in Ladakh and Himalayan terrains, Zoravar will combine lightweight agility with high firepower. Alongside, the Army seeks to expand networked UAVs for surveillance, enabling real-time reconnaissance in contested zones. Robotic counter-IED systems will neutralize asymmetric threats in counterinsurgency environments.

These procurements are more than hardware additions; they are steps toward digitally integrated land warfare, where automation complements soldier strength.

NUCLEAR AMBITION AND BLUE-WATER DOMINANCE