India clears military projects worth billions
The Indian defence ministry has cleared projects worth $12.4 billion (Rs 82,117 crore) to buy fighter aircraft, tanks, rocket systems, helicopters and UAVs, as the military struggles to plug critical gaps in its capabilities.
The government’s approval comes amid rising border tensions with Pakistan, although the platforms will be inducted in phases over the next decade.
‘The ongoing tension along the India-Pakistan border following the September 29 surgical strikes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is a reminder that we have to keep our powder dry. Modernisation cannot happen overnight and each step in that direction is significant,’ one military expert said.
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Defence Notes
-
Canada’s C$2 billion ACSV deal reinforces new defence industrial strategy as allies align
General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada is the country’s first strategic partner under the Defence Industrial Strategy’s Strategic Partnership Framework, an effort to provide companies with confidence to invest and boost the defence labour force.
-
New UK armed forces minister frames High North defence as vital to “homeland security”
The UK’s Minister for the Armed Forces Louise Sandher-Jones made her first appearance in the role before the House of Commons Defence Committee this week to highlight efforts to improve capability in the High North.
-
Canada seeks to strengthen industrial ties with the US on classified programmes
Ottawa explores expanding defence-industrial cooperation with Washington into sensitive programmes, an approach that could reshape NORAD modernisation, strengthen North American supply chains and create new opportunities for defence contractors.
-
UK’s latest defence robotics and autonomy competition looks to break new ground
The UK Ministry of Defence is backing early-stage, high-risk autonomy concepts that could redefine how military systems are developed and deployed.
-
How AI is reshaping defence procurement through sustainment
Artificial intelligence is not just changing how defence equipment is maintained but how defence programmes are won, creating new opportunities for industry by influencing acquisition decisions and shaping competition.