India Charts 15-Year Defence Vision: Nuclear Warships, AI-Driven Weapons and Hypersonic Missiles

In a major push to strengthen national security, the Government of India has outlined a 15-year defence modernization strategy that seeks to reshape the armed forces with state-of-the-art technologies. The plan spans every branch of the military and focuses on developing advanced systems to meet the challenges of next-generation warfare.

Naval Advancements
The Indian Navy will see the introduction of nuclear-powered surface combatants for the first time, alongside a new aircraft carrier equipped with electromagnetic launch technology. The roadmap also calls for the induction of new frigates, corvettes, and amphibious landing platforms, signalling a significant expansion of maritime power projection.

Army Modernization
On land, the Indian Army is preparing for large-scale induction of future-ready battle tanks and light tanks tailored for mountain warfare. These platforms are expected to integrate guided missile systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and robotics support such as counter-IED units.

Air and Space Capabilities
The Air Force is set to acquire a new generation of assets, including stealth drones, high-altitude surveillance systems, and precision strike platforms. Space technologies, particularly satellite-enabled warfare systems, will also be prioritized to ensure superiority in emerging domains.

Cutting-Edge Weapon Systems
The roadmap places heavy emphasis on hypersonic missiles and directed energy weapons, including high-energy lasers for both defensive and offensive use. These technologies, coupled with AI-driven command systems, are expected to give India a decisive edge in speed, accuracy, and automation.

Research and Development Shift
A major element of the plan is the restructuring of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under a concept dubbed “DRDO 2.0.” The organization will pivot from conventional production to deep technology research, focusing on areas like quantum systems, photonic radars, and artificial intelligence, while private industry will take on a larger share of traditional manufacturing.

Strategic Outlook
Officials stress that this ambitious plan is not just about acquiring new hardware, but about creating a future-ready defence ecosystem that integrates land, sea, air, space, and cyber capabilities. With rising regional security challenges, the initiative underscores India’s intent to remain at the forefront of modern warfare innovation.