New Delhi: India’s defence sector witnessed a huge development in 2024, with major advancements in the field of self-made and imported artilleries and air defence systems boosting the country’s self-reliance initiative, Atmanirbhar Bharat. The main purpose of the new advancements is to uplift India’s deterrence capabilities through local innovations and global partnerships.
Some of the major developments which boosted India’s defence system in 2024 include successful the flight test of the Agni-5 missile by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in March. With this successful test, India entered into the list of exclusive countries with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology. The main feature of this technology allows the missile to hit multiple sites with precision.
To add more value to India’s defence sector amid a volatile neighbourhood, India signed an agreement with the US worth Rs 32,000 crore for the induction of 31 Predator drones in its drone fleet. These “hunter-killer” drones will improve India’s surveillance and intelligence capabilities. Among these 31 Predator drones, the Navy is receiving 15 Sea Guardian drones and the Indian Army and Indian Air Force each will get eight Sky Guardian drones. The deal also includes the establishment of a drone maintenance facility in India so that these drones can be maintained locally.
The one more development India witnessed in 2024 was the inauguration of India’s first private military aircraft plant in October. The Tata-Airbus C-295 facility in Vadodara will produce 40 C-295 transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force, as part of a larger Rs 21,935-crore contract signed in 2021 between the Ministry of Defence and Airbus Defence and Space SA, Spain. The medium tactical transport aircraft C-295 is versatile for transport, medical evacuations and maritime patrol duties.
In December, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved proposals worth Rs 21,772 crore, including the procurement of advanced water jet fast attack crafts and interceptor crafts for the Navy, as well as electronic warfare systems for the Su-30 MKI fighter jets. The DAC also cleared the purchase of six advanced helicopters for the Coast Guard to create a more modernised system for anti-piracy missions, especially in and around our island territories.
In 2014, the Indian Army took another leap in modernisation by forming the Signals Technology Evaluation and Adaptation Group (STEAG). The unit will focus on evaluating emerging technologies such as AI, 5G, and quantum computing for military applications.
“STEAG will be the nursery for nurturing and developing tailored technologies spanning the complete spectrum of wired and wireless systems to include electronic exchanges, mobile communications, Software Defined Radios (SDR), Electronic Warfare (EW) systems, 5G and 6G networks, among others,” Indian Army officials said. “It will be a premier organisation, the first of its kind, equipped with the capability to harness niche technology, leverage cutting edge solutions and identify suitable use-cases for defence applications by fostering collaboration and partnership with academia and industry,” the army said.
Additionally, 550 indigenously produced ‘Asmi’ machine pistols were inducted into the Army’s Northern Command, underscoring India’s growing self-reliance in arms production.
“The ‘Asmi’ machine pistol is a robust, compact and reliable weapon designed for close-quarter battles and specialised operations. Its unique semi-bullpup design allows for single-handed operation both as a pistol and submachine gun,” Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI), Indian Army said on X.
Looking ahead, according to Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, 2025 promises further enhancements with the anticipated acquisition of 26 naval Rafale jets and three Scorpene submarines, reinforcing India’s commitment to strengthening its naval and aerial power.
Next year, India is set to seal the proposed procurement of 26 naval variant of Rafale jets and three additional Scorpene submarines soon, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi said. The Navy chief also said that 62 ships and a submarine are currently under construction within the country as part of efforts to boost its naval power. “We have redoubled efforts to include niche technologies into the force,” Admiral Tripathi was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
