“From Nuclear Submarines to Drone Wars: How Indian Armed Forces Are Rewriting the Rules of Combat in 2026”, Defence Capital, December 26, 2025
“India’s military transformation is entering a decisive phase as the country looks to 2026 with a packed induction schedule of fighter jets, nuclear submarines, warships, missiles, and drones, even as the hard lessons of 2025, dominated by Operation Sindoor, continue to reshape doctrine, force structure, and war-fighting philosophy.
At the heart of the 2026 roadmap is a clear push to boost combat readiness while accelerating indigenisation. The armed forces are set to induct Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-1A fighters, the nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine Aridaman, Project 17A stealth frigates, India-made C-295 transport aircraft, Akash-NG air defence systems, and a range of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) drones and loitering munitions.
One of the most closely tracked programmes remains the delayed LCA Mk-1A. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) now aims to deliver at least five aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF) by the end of FY26, a reduced target from earlier plans. The IAF has ordered 180 Mk-1A fighters worth about INR 110,000 crore, but deliveries are yet to begin, making 2026 a crucial year for India’s indigenous fighter ambitions…..”
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