Following the recent Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory military action against Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, India is reportedly moving to replenish its arsenal. The operation, which India launched after a deadly attack on civilians in Jammu & Kashmir, saw the use of various weapon systems, leading to a drawdown of existing stocks.
Reports indicate that India may be looking to procure additional BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, alongside other systems such as the Rampage, Crystal Maze missiles, Aakash air defense systems, anti-drone technology, and potentially more Harpy/Harop-type drones. This restocking effort aims to address the consumption of munitions during the conflict and reinforce India's defense capabilities.
Operation Sindoor involved precision strikes on what India asserted were terrorist infrastructures within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The Indian Air Force (IAF) reportedly targeted key airbases and command-and-control centers. India has stated the operation was a measured response, focused on terror infrastructure and avoiding Pakistani military facilities.
The strikes were carried out by a mix of Rafale and Su-30 MKI fighters, supported by electronic warfare and surveillance assets. India has lauded the success of Operation Sindoor, claiming it forced Pakistan to seek a ceasefire within a short period. Specifically, the IAF's precision strikes on Pakistan's secure military assets, including deeply buried command and control centers at key airbases, are said to have shattered Pakistan's operational capability and will to continue hostilities.
Defense modernization is a continuous process for India, involving upgrades to weapons, surveillance systems, and technology. The focus is on boosting domestic production through initiatives like "Make in India", reforming procurement policies, enhancing R&D, forging strategic partnerships for advanced technology, and integrating network-centric warfare. India's defense imports are primarily from Russia, but there is a growing emphasis on indigenous development.
The need for defense modernization stems from the desire to enhance combat capabilities and equip the armed forces with state-of-the-art technology. Modernization efforts include upgrading indigenous missile systems like Agni, Prithvi, and BrahMos, and integrating network-centric operations for real-time data sharing and coordinated responses across services.
However, India's military modernization faces challenges, including obsolete equipment, lack of adequate ammunition, and inadequate research and development due to over-reliance on foreign imports. There are also concerns about the reliability of India's nuclear systems, highlighted by incidents such as the accidental launch of a BrahMos missile into Pakistan in the past.
Despite these challenges, India has made strides in modernizing its military, including the induction of Rafale fighter jets, development of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), and integration of network-centric warfare capabilities. The Indian Navy has also commissioned its first nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, INS Arihant, enhancing its underwater capabilities.
Looking ahead, India faces persistent challenges at its borders, requiring sustained capability building and modernization efforts. This includes investment in defense research and development, as well as infrastructure development to strengthen its deterrent capability. India is aiming to be self-reliant in the defense sector.
