National News: The Indian Defence Ministry has cleared 10 mega projects worth over 1 lakh crore, focusing on warships, missile systems, and surveillance aircraft, aiming to transform India’s tri-services capabilities. India has approved its largest-ever warship procurement with 44,000 crore allocated for 12 Mine Countermeasure Vessels (MCMVs). These ships will detect and neutralize underwater mines, enhancing naval safety. Weighing up to 1,000 tons each, they are expected to be built over the next decade. The project fills a critical gap as the Navy currently lacks dedicated mine-sweepers. With increasing Chinese and Pakistani naval activity in the Indian Ocean, this approval comes at a strategic moment. Port security and sea-lane safety are now a top priority for the Indian Navy.
Missile Systems Boost Air Shield
India’s air defence gets a major push with 36,000 crore cleared for Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAM). These systems, developed by DRDO, will protect against enemy aircraft and drones. Three Army regiments and three Air Force squadrons will receive QRSAM deployment. Each system can target threats up to 30 km away. The Army requires a total of 11 QRSAM regiments for full coverage. These missiles played a key role during the recent Operation Sindoor, successfully neutralizing aerial threats.
Eyes in the Sky Approved
The Air Force will soon gain sharper intelligence tools with 10,000 crore sanctioned for three ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance) aircraft. Developed with DRDO sensors, they offer real-time battlefield awareness. These aircraft will help detect enemy locations, movements, and weapons with precision. Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar and optical imaging will improve strike planning. The move boosts India’s ability to track threats deep inside enemy territory. It is a major leap in surveillance and strike coordination.
Undersea Warfare Capability Rising
Besides warships, submarine-hunting capabilities will also get attention. Some projects target enhancing India’s anti-submarine warfare preparedness. This includes advanced sonar, torpedoes, and undersea drones. The growing Chinese submarine presence in the Indo-Pacific has raised alarms. India’s response is to build layered defences below sea level. These technologies will empower naval command with better situational control underwater.
Indigenous Defence Push Continues
Most of these projects fall under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. DRDO and Indian private defence firms will play central roles. Domestic manufacturing will boost jobs and self-reliance. The government aims to reduce arms import dependence in the next five years. These mega deals show India’s intent to become a military technology leader. Indigenous capability is now a national strategic priority.
Operation Sindoor A Wake-Up Call
Sources indicate these approvals were accelerated after the success and lessons of Operation Sindoor. That mission exposed India’s need for faster response and better systems. Drones, missiles, and naval assets were tested in live combat conditions. Defence planners saw urgent gaps in air defence and surveillance. The new deals are designed to fill those gaps quickly.
Strategic Signal To Adversaries
This massive defence investment signals India’s seriousness to adversaries like China and Pakistan. The government is also sending a message to global partners. India’s defence posture is evolving from reactive to preemptive. With stronger deterrents across land, air, sea, and undersea, India enters a new phase of strategic confidence. This is not just procurement—it’s a doctrine shift.
