The landscape of modern warfare is undergoing an intense transformation. Where once the strength of a nation’s military was measured by the sheer number of soldiers or the size of its arsenal, today’s battles are increasingly defined by technological superiority, precision weaponry, and rapid innovation. The emergence of high-tech systems ranging from stealth aircraft to precision-guided missiles has rendered traditional metrics of military might less relevant. In this new era, it is not the largest armies that prevail, but those equipped with the most advanced and agile technologies.

India has embraced this paradigm shift with remarkable resolve. Through the Swadeshi movement, championed by the Make in India and Atma-Nirbhar Bharat initiatives, the nation is not only reducing its reliance on foreign imports but is also nurturing a robust ecosystem of indigenous research, development, and manufacturing. The result is a new generation of world-class platforms such as the new generation Tejas fighter, BrahMos Supersonic cruise missile, and INS Vikrant aircraft carrier that reflect India’s growing prowess in defence technology. It has been amply demonstrated in “Operation Sindoor” that many indigenous technologies, including Akash missiles, have been deployed to achieve intended goals.

Indian Defence Capabilities: India’s journey toward self-reliance in defence began with the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) in 1984, led by Dr. Abdul Kalam. This program developed several key missile systems including Agni, Prithvi, Akash, Nag, and Trishul. Today, all except Trishul have been successfully inducted into the Armed Forces.

The success of India’s missile program stems from early partnerships with development partners. Public sector companies like Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) have played crucial........

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