The Ministry of Defence has released a new plan focused on the development of the defence sector over the next 15 years. This plan includes advanced weapons and technologies such as hypersonic missiles, stealth bomber drones, AI-powered weapons, high-power lasers, and nuclear-powered warships.
New Delhi: The Indian Ministry of Defence has launched a new plan to enhance the country's security and defence capabilities over the next 15 years. This plan encompasses cutting-edge weapons and technologies like hypersonic missiles, stealth bomber drones, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered weapons, high-power lasers, and nuclear-powered warships. The objective is to prepare the Indian armed forces for future threats and to make the country's defence industry self-reliant.
Key Weapons and Technologies for the Indian Armed Forces
The Indian Army comprises over 1.4 million soldiers. This plan has been formulated to meet their needs. It aims to provide the Army with approximately 150 stealth unmanned combat aircraft and over 500 hypersonic missiles. Hypersonic missiles can reach targets at extremely high speeds, thereby improving our security capabilities.
The Ministry states that this plan will also provide opportunities for research and development for the private industry. Industries will be able to establish production lines and assembly units, ensuring the timely supply of weapons and technologies. The plan includes over 200 weapons and technologies.
Modern Requirements of the Navy
The Indian Navy requires at least 10 nuclear-powered warships, including an aircraft carrier. Additionally, the Navy needs 20 High-Endurance Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) capable of detecting and destroying submarines. This move is aimed at strengthening maritime security and protecting India's maritime borders.
For the Indian Army, the plan includes 1,700-1,800 next-generation main battle tanks and 400 light tanks for mountain warfare. This plan will help enhance the Army's mobility, strength, and strategic capabilities. Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force requires 20 stratospheric airships (balloon-like aircraft). These will be used for surveillance, intelligence gathering, and communication. This step will lead to significant improvements in air defence and information collection.
The new plan also emphasizes the utmost importance of achieving self-reliance in defence production. Self-reliance will be ensured at every stage of the design, development, and manufacturing of weapons and technologies. This will boost the capacity of domestic industries and reduce dependency on foreign suppliers for defence equipment.
