Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday highlighted the sweeping transformation of India’s defence sector over the past decade, emphasizing that the country’s growing military strength is being powered by self-reliance, indigenous innovation, advanced technology, and domestic manufacturing.
Sharing a series of posts on X, the Prime Minister said India has significantly strengthened its defence capabilities across air, land, and maritime domains while building a robust foundation for national security through indigenous development.
“India’s defence capabilities have witnessed significant transformation over the last decade, guided by the vision of self-reliance and powered by innovation, technology and indigenous manufacturing,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister noted that the progress achieved in the defence sector over the past twelve years reflects India’s sustained commitment to strengthening national security through the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and reducing dependence on foreign military equipment.
Defence Spending and Indigenous Production Reach New Heights
According to information shared by MyGovIndia and highlighted by the Prime Minister, the Union Budget 2026 allocated the highest-ever expenditure for defence, making it the largest allocation among all government ministries.
The increased investment has contributed to the modernization of the armed forces, expansion of indigenous manufacturing capabilities, and strengthening of strategic preparedness.
India’s defence production has reached record levels in recent years, while defence exports have expanded significantly, with Indian-made military equipment now being supplied to more than 80 countries worldwide.
MyGovIndia said the growth in domestic manufacturing reflects the success of policy initiatives aimed at promoting indigenous production and enhancing private-sector participation in the defence ecosystem.
Growing Role of Startups and MSMEs
A major pillar of India’s defence transformation has been the rise of innovation-driven enterprises.
More than 1,000 defence startups are currently developing next-generation technologies, while nearly 16,000 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have become part of the country’s defence manufacturing network.
In addition, over 36,000 defence items have been identified for indigenous development, creating new opportunities for domestic industry and technological innovation.
MyGovIndia believes that innovation, research, and domestic manufacturing will continue to strengthen India’s strategic autonomy and long-term security capabilities.
Indigenous Technologies Reshape Military Capabilities
MyGovIndia highlighted several major indigenous defence platforms that have strengthened India’s military capabilities over the last decade.
Among them is the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, developed by the state-owned aerospace manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The aircraft has emerged as a symbol of India’s growing aerospace capabilities, with the induction of the Tejas Mk-1A and ongoing development of the more advanced Tejas Mk-2 expected to further enhance the country’s combat aviation ecosystem.
India’s indigenous missile programme has also recorded significant progress. The Akash missile system has become a key component of the country’s air defence architecture, while the next-generation Akash-NG is expected to provide improved interception capabilities and faster response times.
The Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system has enhanced the Army’s artillery capabilities through improved mobility, precision, and indigenous design. Continuous upgrades have expanded its operational range and strike effectiveness.
Strategic Deterrence Strengthened
One of the most significant achievements highlighted by MyGovIndia was the successful testing of the Agni-V ballistic missile equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology.
The capability allows a single missile to carry multiple warheads capable of striking different targets, placing India among a select group of nations possessing such advanced strategic technology.
India has also successfully tested indigenous hypersonic missile technology, marking another milestone in the country’s strategic defence capabilities and strengthening its position in advanced military technologies.
Naval Modernisation Gains Momentum
India’s maritime capabilities have witnessed substantial growth through indigenous shipbuilding and naval modernization programmes.
The induction of the indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine INS Arihant completed India’s nuclear triad, providing a credible sea-based nuclear deterrent and enhancing the country’s second-strike capability.
Another major milestone was the commissioning of INS Vikrant, India’s first domestically built aircraft carrier. The vessel represents a significant achievement in indigenous shipbuilding and places India among a select group of countries capable of designing and constructing aircraft carriers.
India’s naval modernization has also been strengthened through platforms such as Project 17A stealth frigates, Project 15B destroyers, and Kalvari-class submarines, enhancing maritime security and underwater warfare capabilities.
Today, nearly 97 per cent of warships operated by the Indian Navy and Coast Guard are built domestically, reflecting the growing maturity of India’s shipbuilding industry.
Indigenous Missile Ecosystem Expands
India has developed a robust indigenous missile ecosystem that includes systems such as BrahMos, Astra, and Rudram missiles.
These platforms have enhanced India’s strike capabilities, beyond-visual-range engagement capacity, and anti-radiation warfare capabilities, strengthening the country’s position as an emerging defence technology power.
C-295 Programme Boosts Aerospace Manufacturing
MyGovIndia also highlighted the significance of the C-295 transport aircraft programme, which is helping build a domestic aerospace manufacturing ecosystem.
The programme is expected to increase private-sector participation, strengthen indigenous aviation expertise, and enhance India’s tactical airlift capabilities while contributing to the broader vision of self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Stronger Response to Security Challenges
MyGovIndia also highlighted a shift in India’s security doctrine over the past decade, particularly in response to cross-border terrorism.
The armed forces carried out surgical strikes across the Line of Control following the 2016 Uri terror attack and conducted air strikes on terror infrastructure in Balakot after the 2019 Pulwama attack.
More recently, Operation Sindoor was cited as an example of India’s ability to undertake precision operations against terror infrastructure and military-linked targets across the border.
MyGovIndia said these actions demonstrated India’s willingness to respond decisively to threats against national security.
Progress Against Left-Wing Extremism
MyGovIndia also pointed to significant gains in reducing Left-Wing Extremism across several parts of the country, and said that a combination of security operations, infrastructure development, governance reforms, and welfare initiatives has contributed to the shrinking of the so-called “Red Corridor.”
Improved connectivity, development projects, and targeted action against Maoist leadership have helped restore stability and expand economic opportunities in previously affected regions.
Building a Future-Ready Defence Ecosystem
MyGovIndia emphasized that India’s defence transformation is not limited to military hardware but extends to creating a comprehensive ecosystem focused on innovation, technology, resilience, and self-reliance.
“The future belongs to nations that invest early in capability, technology and resilience,” MyGovIndia said while sharing details of India’s defence achievements.
As India continues to expand indigenous production, invest in research and development, and strengthen strategic capabilities across all domains, the government believes the country is steadily building a modern, self-reliant, and future-ready defence ecosystem capable of addressing emerging security challenges while safeguarding national interests.
