India has approved a ₹2.38 lakh crore defence upgrade, including additional S-400 air defence systems, to strengthen its armed forces across air, land, and support systems. The package covers advanced weapons, drones, transport aircraft, and artillery, aiming to modernise defence capabilities and improve national security and operational readiness.
Major ₹2.38 Lakh Crore Defence Boost Approved for Armed Forces
India has approved a major defence upgrade worth ₹2.38 lakh crore to strengthen its military across air, land, and support systems. The decision was taken to improve overall defence readiness and modernise the armed forces with advanced technology.
The package includes a wide range of equipment such as air defence missile systems, unmanned strike aircraft, transport planes, artillery guns, and upgraded tank ammunition. The aim is to improve protection of key locations, boost offensive strength, and increase mobility for troops and equipment.
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A major highlight is the addition of five more S-400 air defence systems. These advanced missile systems can detect, track, and destroy enemy aircraft, missiles, and drones at long range, strengthening India’s aerial defence network.
The approval also includes remotely piloted strike drones that can carry out precise attacks and gather intelligence without risking pilots. In addition, 60 medium transport aircraft have been cleared to improve fast movement of soldiers, weapons, and supplies across the country.
S-400 Missile Systems and Strike Drones to Strengthen Air Defence Network
One of the most important parts of the defence upgrade is the expansion of the S-400 missile defence system. These systems are built to detect, track, and destroy incoming aerial threats such as enemy aircraft, missiles, and drones. They work over long distances. With the approval of five additional units, India’s air defence network will become significantly stronger. This will improve protection for both civilian areas and key military installations across the country.
The package also includes remotely piloted strike aircraft, which are advanced unmanned drones designed for combat roles. These aircraft are controlled from secure ground stations, allowing them to operate without a pilot onboard. They can carry out precise strikes on targets while also collecting real-time intelligence from the battlefield. This helps improve surveillance and allows armed forces to monitor enemy movement more effectively.
These unmanned systems also support intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations, helping military planners make quicker and more accurate decisions during missions.
In addition, the approval covers modern artillery systems and upgraded tank ammunition. The new artillery guns are designed to strike targets at longer ranges with improved accuracy, increasing effectiveness in ground operations. The upgraded tank ammunition boosts the firepower and performance of armoured vehicles in combat situations.
Together, these systems strengthen both defensive and offensive capabilities, making military operations more responsive, precise, and efficient across different terrains and threat scenarios.
New Transport Aircraft, Artillery Systems, and Communication Upgrades
Another key part of the defence approval is the purchase of 60 medium transport aircraft. These aircraft will replace older fleets that have been in service for many years. They are designed to carry heavier loads, operate in different weather conditions, and work across varied terrains, improving overall airlift capability.
These transport planes will help move soldiers, vehicles, and essential supplies quickly during both normal operations and emergencies. They will also strengthen the armed forces’ response during natural disasters and urgent missions where fast delivery of aid or equipment is needed.
The programme includes participation from global aircraft manufacturers offering advanced aircraft with different cargo capacities and modern technology. The final selection is expected to support domestic production, with manufacturing facilities likely to be set up within the country.
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Along with this, the approval includes upgraded artillery systems, improved tank ammunition, and enhanced communication tools. A key upgrade is a high-capacity radio relay system that ensures secure and uninterrupted communication between military units during operations.
A runway-independent aerial surveillance system has also been approved, allowing aircraft to operate from locations without fixed runways. This increases flexibility for surveillance and emergency deployment.
In addition, an air defence system mounted on tracked vehicles has been cleared, improving mobility and protection against aerial threats. Together, these systems strengthen air mobility, communication security, ground flexibility, and surveillance capability across the defence network.