Image Source: The Study IAS
India’s Ministry of Defence has released its most ambitious technology roadmap yet, outlining a 15-year vision to transform the country’s armed forces into a future-ready, self-reliant military powerhouse. From desi hypersonic missiles and stealth drones to AI-driven combat systems and nuclear-powered warships, the wishlist signals a decisive shift in how India plans to prepare for next-generation warfare across land, sea, air, space, and cyber domains.
The roadmap, titled Technology Perspective Capability Roadmap, consolidates over 200 advanced systems and platforms that the Army, Navy, and Air Force aim to induct by 2040. It’s not just a wishlist—it’s a strategic blueprint for Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence.
Key Highlights From The Wishlist
- Over 500 hypersonic missiles with scramjet propulsion are on the acquisition list, along with counter-hypersonic systems
- The Indian Navy seeks nuclear propulsion for at least 10 future warships, including a new aircraft carrier
- The Army plans to induct 1,800 next-generation main battle tanks and 400 light tanks for mountain warfare
- The Air Force has requested 20 stratospheric airships for surveillance and communications, plus 150 stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicles
These systems are designed to enhance India’s deterrence capabilities, enable precision strikes, and ensure battlefield dominance in high-threat environments.
Hypersonic Missiles And Stealth Drones Take Center Stage
Hypersonic weapons, capable of traveling at speeds above Mach 5, are considered game-changers in modern warfare. India’s roadmap includes:
- Indigenous development of hypersonic missiles with scramjet engines
- Integration of stealth bomber drones for deep-strike missions
- Countermeasures to detect and neutralize incoming hypersonic threats
These technologies will allow India to match global powers like the United States, China, and Russia in strategic deterrence and rapid-response capabilities.
AI-Powered Combat Systems And Robotics
Artificial intelligence is no longer a buzzword—it’s a battlefield necessity. The roadmap emphasizes:
- AI-as-a-service tools for smart jamming, electronic warfare, and drone swarm management
- Over 700 robotic counter-IED systems for urban and insurgency operations
- Autonomous underwater vehicles and unmanned aerial systems for surveillance and strike missions
The integration of AI will enable faster decision-making, predictive threat analysis, and autonomous mission execution across all branches of the military.
Naval Ambitions: Nuclear Propulsion And Carrier Power
India’s naval strategy is set to undergo a dramatic upgrade. The wishlist includes:
- Nuclear propulsion systems for surface combatants, enhancing endurance and stealth
- Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch Systems (EMALS) for operating heavier jets from carriers
- 10 next-generation frigates, 7 advanced corvettes, and 4 landing dock platforms for amphibious operations
These additions will bolster India’s blue-water capabilities and maritime dominance in the Indo-Pacific region.
Army’s Ground Game: Tanks, Missiles, And Smart Artillery
The Indian Army is preparing for high-altitude and multi-domain warfare with:
- 1,800 advanced tanks to replace the ageing T-72 fleet
- 50,000 tank-mounted anti-tank guided missiles with over 90 percent accuracy
- 600,000 enhanced-range artillery rounds and 3,000 vehicle-mounted mortar systems
These upgrades aim to ensure rapid mobility, precision firepower, and survivability in hostile terrains.
Air Force Vision: High-Altitude Platforms And Directed Energy Weapons
The Indian Air Force is looking skyward with plans to acquire:
- 75 high-altitude pseudo satellites and 20 stratospheric airships for persistent surveillance
- 150 stealth UCAVs capable of supersonic speeds and internal weapons bays
- Directed-energy weapons and high-power lasers for air defence and anti-drone operations
These systems will enhance India’s ability to monitor borders, neutralize aerial threats, and maintain air superiority.
Conclusion: A Strategic Leap Toward Self-Reliance
India’s defence wishlist is more than a procurement plan—it’s a declaration of intent. By investing in indigenous technologies and futuristic platforms, the country is positioning itself as a formidable force in global military innovation. The roadmap reflects a clear understanding of emerging threats and a commitment to building a resilient, tech-driven defence ecosystem.
Sources: Times of India, WION News, NDTV, Firstpost, Swarajya Magazine
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