India’s Defence Modernisation Accelerates After Operation Sindoor

In the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, a decisive military operation carried out in May 2025 against terrorist infrastructure, India has witnessed an unprecedented surge in defence acquisitions. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has fast-tracked procurement processes with an infusion of over ₹40,000 crore (approximately ₹400 billion) to rapidly enhance the country’s defence capabilities. This strategic push reflects a broader transformation in India’s approach to defence readiness, focusing on speed, indigenisation, and technological sophistication.

Indian Army shows a demonstration of how Indian Air Defence systems saved the Golden Temple in Amritsar and cities of Punjab from Pakistani missile and drone attacks. X/@ANI | Firstpost

Fast-Tracked Defence Procurements: Responding to New Challenges

Following the success of Operation Sindoor, the MoD granted emergency procurement clearances for a host of critical systems. Thirteen contracts worth nearly ₹2,000 crore (₹20 billion) were signed in June alone, covering essential equipment such as air-defence missiles, kamikaze drones, counter-drone systems, advanced radars, and bulletproof gear. Alongside these emergency buys, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for ten high-value acquisitions totaling over ₹1.05 lakh crore (₹1,050 billion). These acquisitions prioritize indigenous platforms, including electronic warfare suites, recovery vehicles, Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAM), mine countermeasure vessels, and advanced sea mines. Together, these measures aim to strengthen the armed forces’ mobility, air defence, supply chain resilience, and overall combat readiness.

Strengthening Air Defence and Surveillance Capabilities

A key highlight emerging from Operation Sindoor was the exceptional performance of the indigenous Akashteer air-defence network. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), the system proved capable of intercepting drones and missile threats effectively, earning comparisons to Israel’s "Iron Dome." Recognizing the importance of space-based surveillance, the government has approved a ₹26,968 crore Space-Based Surveillance Phase III programme. This initiative involves the deployment of 52 dedicated defence satellites by 2029, with ISRO and private aerospace firms sharing production responsibilities. These satellites will significantly enhance real-time reconnaissance and battlefield awareness, offering a critical technological edge.

Expanding the Indigenous Drone Ecosystem

The growing significance of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) was evident during Operation Sindoor. In line with this, the government initiated a tri-service procurement of 87 Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) drones, backed by a ₹20,000 crore budget and stipulating more than 60% local content. Major Indian defence players such as Adani, Solar Defence, Tata, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are actively involved in this project. Solar Defence, in particular, has secured substantial contracts, including a ₹6,000 crore deal for the Pinaka rocket system and expanded development of Nagastra loitering munitions and Bhargavastra micro-missiles. This emphasis on indigenous drone capabilities reflects India’s commitment to technological self-reliance.

Strengthening Strategic Ties with the United States

The post-Operation Sindoor environment has accelerated India’s defence collaboration with the United States. To counterbalance Pakistan’s influx of Chinese arms, India is negotiating expedited acquisitions of sophisticated US weapons systems, including GPS-guided Excalibur shells, Javelin anti-tank missiles, and additional P-8I maritime patrol aircraft. Efforts are underway to simplify and expedite these transfers under revised International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), underscoring the deepening defence partnership between the two countries.

Boosting Domestic Defence Industry and Policy Reforms

India’s defence budget for the fiscal year 2025–26 witnessed a significant enhancement with a ₹50,000 crore supplementary grant, raising the total budget to over ₹7 lakh crore. This increase aims to support expanded research and development, infrastructure improvements, and scaling up of indigenous manufacturing. Concurrently, the government is revamping the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP-2020) into a streamlined, industry-friendly framework dubbed DAP-2025. This new policy aims to cut through procedural delays and encourage greater participation by private sector companies and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The DAC has committed over ₹1.05 lakh crore toward domestic sourcing, with priority given to recovery vehicles, missile systems, and maritime platforms. This strategy has already borne fruit, with defence production output reaching ₹1.27 lakh crore in 2023–24 and exports rising by 32.5%, signaling a robust and growing defence industrial base.

Reforming Procurement Timelines for Enhanced Efficiency

One of the most critical reforms introduced post-Operation Sindoor involves the acceleration of procurement cycles. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh announced plans to reduce weapon acquisition timelines from the current average of six years down to just two. This ambitious target is designed to address long-standing bottlenecks and deliver critical systems to the armed forces more rapidly, ensuring that India remains agile in responding to evolving threats.

Strategic Implications and Future Outlook

Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s growing strategic maturity and confidence in its indigenous defence systems. Platforms such as BrahMos supersonic missiles, Akash surface-to-air missiles, the D4 anti-drone defence system, and the Akashteer network outperformed comparable Chinese technologies deployed by adversaries, reinforcing faith in the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiative. The post-operation procurement surge and policy reforms signal a fundamental shift toward a more modern, self-sufficient, and technologically advanced defence posture, positioning India to address future security challenges effectively.

Conclusion

India’s rapid defence modernisation post-Operation Sindoor marks a critical turning point. The government’s commitment to fast-tracked procurements, bolstered indigenous manufacturing, strategic partnerships, and reform-driven procurement cycles collectively strengthen the nation’s security apparatus. This comprehensive approach not only prepares India for near-term contingencies but also lays the foundation for long-term technological sovereignty and military readiness. As the country moves forward, the blend of strategic foresight and industrial empowerment will be crucial to sustaining India’s defence edge in a complex geopolitical environment.

(Sources: Firstpost, Financial Express, Indian Express)