Army of India sets out ambitious plan for modernization, seeking collaboration with industries for advanced warfare systems
**Indian Army Embarks on Comprehensive Modernization Drive**
The Indian Army is prioritizing a robust electronic warfare and cyber capabilities overhaul, as part of a comprehensive modernization drive aimed at preparing for future high-intensity and technologically sophisticated warfare scenarios.
At the heart of this modernization drive is the development of ultra-fast and highly manoeuvrable weapon systems. Hypersonic glide vehicles, hypersonic air-breathing engines, and advanced missiles are being developed under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Notable projects include Project Vishnu and BrahMos-II, which encompass hypersonic glide and cruise missiles, as well as missile defense systems.
India successfully tested its first hypersonic missile, powered by a scramjet engine, in November 2024, placing it among a select group of nations with advanced hypersonic technology. Recent advancements include the establishment of active-cooled scramjet combustor technology, a critical step towards flight-ready hypersonic missiles that aim to enhance strike capabilities and defense against similar threats.
The army is also investing in directed energy weapons (DEWs), including high-energy lasers and microwave systems. DRDO is actively developing high-powered laser weapons as part of the indigenous "Sahastra Shakti" program for anti-drone and missile defense applications. Deployment includes various laser systems, such as a 2 kW Mk1 laser effective against small drones at 1 km range, a 12 kW Mk2 variant extending range beyond 2 km, and the 30 kW IDD&IS Mk2A, mounted on a mobile truck platform with a 4-5 km range, capable of targeting drones, sensors, and helicopters.
In terms of combat vehicle modernization, the army is enhancing existing assets like the T-90 tanks and BMP-2 infantry carriers and developing new platforms such as the indigenous Zorawar light tank for high-altitude warfare and future-ready combat vehicles (FRCV and FICV) expected by 2030. Procurement of advanced systems like the U.S. Stryker infantry combat vehicle and additional K9 Vajra Howitzers to boost long-range firepower is underway.
Infrastructure improvements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) support sustained deployment and logistics for modernized forces in challenging terrain. The army is also focusing on green and sustainable logistics, enhanced cybersecurity mechanisms, resilient supply chains, and advanced manufacturing techniques.
Lt Gen Aujla, speaking on the modernization drive, emphasized the need for an enabling environment for military-industry collaboration. He also called for establishing technological hubs, innovation centers, and incubation facilities. The army is seeking support from policymakers for defense technology acceleration funds and simplified procurement cycles.
The modernization plan includes individual soldier enhancement through exoskeletons, human augmentation systems, smart body armour, and augmented reality battlefield management systems. Lt Gen Aujla indicated the Army's intention to provide every soldier with enhanced situational awareness through digital overlays and advanced technologies.
In conclusion, the Indian Army's modernization efforts aim to boost offensive and defensive capabilities with futuristic high-speed strike systems, advanced energy weapons, and modern combat platforms suitable for diverse and challenging environments. The drive aims to transform the army's capabilities across multiple domains, ensuring India's military preparedness for the future.
| Modernization Area | Key Initiatives | |------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------| | Hypersonic Weapons | Project Vishnu, BrahMos-II, hypersonic glide and cruise missiles with scramjet engines | | Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs)| Sahastra Shakti laser weapons (2 kW to 30 kW+ systems), mobile truck-mounted DEWs, anti-drone and missile defense | | Combat Vehicle Modernization | Zorawar light tank, upgrades to T-90 and BMP-2, Future Infantry Combat Vehicles, Stryker vehicles, K9 Vajra Howitzers | | Infrastructure | Enhanced logistics and deployment infrastructure along borders such as LAC | | Individual Soldier Enhancement| Exoskeletons, human augmentation systems, smart body armour, augmented reality battlefield management systems | | Sustainability | Green and sustainable logistics, enhanced cybersecurity mechanisms, resilient supply chains, advanced manufacturing techniques | | Cybersecurity | Next-generation cyber defence tools, autonomous electronic warfare solutions | | Procurement | Simplified procurement cycles |
- The advancements in India's hypersonic technology and directed energy weapons (DEWs) are crucial components of the comprehensive modernization drive, as they encompass projects like Project Vishnu, BrahMos-II, and the Sahastra Shakti program, which aim to enhance strike capabilities and defense against similar threats.
- The Indian Army's modernization plan extends to individual soldier enhancement, incorporating technologies such as exoskeletons, human augmentation systems, smart body armor, and augmented reality battlefield management systems, with the intention to provide every soldier with enhanced situational awareness.
- Concurrently, the modernization drive emphasizes sustainability in the army's operations, focusing on green and sustainable logistics, enhanced cybersecurity mechanisms, resilient supply chains, and advanced manufacturing techniques, ensuring military readiness for the future while minimizing environmental impact.
