In a transformative decade that redefined Bharath’s military posture and technological sovereignty, the nation has emerged as a formidable defence power between 2014 and 2025. Marked by a historic leap in budgetary allocations and indigenous capabilities, this era witnessed a paradigm shift—from a predominantly import-reliant force to a self-assured military-industrial complex. The latest announcement on May 16, 2025, of an additional ₹50,000 crore in defence spending for FY 2025–26—taking the total allocation beyond ₹7.31 lakh crore underscores Bharath’s unflinching resolve to safeguard national interests amid evolving regional and global threats. The enhanced funding aims to supercharge defence R&D, fast-track procurement, and strengthen Bharath’s strategic deterrence.
This report chronicles more than 20 pivotal incidents that shaped Bharath’s defence landscape during this landmark decade—13 critical allocation decisions and 26 strategic milestones that include the indigenously built Tejas fighter jet and the nuclear submarine INS Arihant. Together, these episodes narrate a compelling story of self-reliance, innovation, and resilience. From bold policy reforms and Make in Bharath initiatives to successful space-defence integrations and operational breakthroughs like Operation Sindoor, Bharath’s defence journey from 2014 to 2025 stands as a testimony to vision, preparedness, and a robust national will.
Bharat’s defence budget sees historic surge under Aatmanirbhar Bharat
In a significant boost to Bharat’s military preparedness and self-reliance, the country’s defence budget has seen a massive rise from ₹2.29 lakh crore in 2014–15 to ₹6.81 lakh crore projected for the financial year 2025–26. The chart illustrates a consistent upward trajectory in defence expenditure, highlighting the government’s commitment to strengthening national security under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant Bharat) initiative. The steepest rises are visible from 2017–18 onwards, with an especially sharp jump in allocations during 2023–24 and 2025–26.
This threefold increase in defence spending over a decade includes provisions for defence pensions and reflects Bharat’s focus on indigenisation, modernization of armed forces, and advanced technology integration. From ₹3.60 lakh crore in 2017–18 to over ₹6 lakh crore in 2024–25, and now ₹6.81 lakh crore for 2025–26, the rising graph underscores a strategic shift towards bolstering defence infrastructure, manufacturing, and readiness in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
₹6.81 lakh crore enhanced by ₹50,000 crore post Operation Sindoor
Following the successful completion of Operation Sindoor, Bharat’s defence preparedness received an unexpected and robust boost through a supplementary budget of ₹50,000 crore, enhancing the already record-high defence allocation of ₹6.81 lakh crore announced earlier in February 2025. This strategic move is aimed at further strengthening Bharat’s military capabilities in the wake of evolving security challenges. The additional funding is primarily directed towards bolstering defence research and development and expediting the procurement of critical military infrastructure, including weapons systems, ammunition stockpiles, and advanced equipment. This post-operational enhancement signals a clear and proactive approach to ensuring combat readiness and maintaining regional military supremacy, aligning with the long-term vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Record ₹6.81 lakh crore defence budget in FY 2025-26
Bharat set a historic benchmark by allocating ₹6.81 lakh crore (US$78.7 billion) to its defence sector in the Interim Union Budget 2025–26, marking a notable 9.53% increase over the previous fiscal year. This allocation reflects nearly 1.9% of the projected national GDP, underlining the strategic importance of national security. Significantly, 75% of the capital procurement budget, amounting to ₹1.11 lakh crore, is reserved for domestic manufacturing, thereby accelerating the government’s push for indigenous production of cutting-edge military assets such as fighter aircraft, submarines, UAVs, and helicopters. With ₹3.11 lakh crore dedicated to operational expenditures and ₹1.6 lakh crore allocated for pensions and welfare, this budget demonstrates a balanced approach that supports both modernization and human resource needs. It reiterates the government’s unwavering commitment to military self-reliance and modernization through initiatives like Make in Bharat and iDEX.
₹6.22 lakh crore defence allocation in regular Union Budget FY 2024–25
In the Union Budget for FY 2024–25, the Ministry of Defence received a significant allocation of ₹6.22 lakh crore, accounting for 12.9% of the entire Union Budget, making it the highest allocation among all ministries. This allocation marks a 4.79% increase from FY 2023–24 and strongly reinforces the government’s focus on self-reliance in defence production. A substantial ₹1.05 lakh crore, which is 75% of the modernization component, is earmarked for procurement from Bharatiya defence manufacturers, bolstering indigenous capabilities under the Make in Bharat and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. Furthermore, the budget earmarks ₹23,855 crore for DRDO to sustain cutting-edge R&D efforts, along with ₹400 crore under the ADITI scheme to nurture startups and MSMEs developing innovative defence technologies. This financial commitment fosters a robust domestic ecosystem for innovation, design, and manufacturing in the strategic defence sector.
Bharat’s defence budget in 2022–23 and 2023–24
The Union Budgets of 2022–23 and 2023–24 marked a decisive shift in Bharat’s defence priorities, showcasing a consistent increase in allocations to strengthen national security. In 2022–23, the government earmarked ₹6.44 lakh crore for defence, including ₹1.19 lakh crore for pensions and ₹1.52 lakh crore in capital outlay for modernisation. This formed 13.31% of the total budget, underlining a focus on operational readiness, indigenous production, and infrastructure development.
Building on this, the 2023–24 Budget allocated ₹5.94 lakh crore to the Ministry of Defence—13.18% of the total budget outlay—with a notable ₹1.38 lakh crore dedicated to defence pensions. The capital outlay witnessed a sharp 44% rise from ₹62,431 crore to ₹90,000 crore, signaling urgency in upgrading combat capabilities. These successive budgets reflect the government’s unwavering commitment to military modernisation, veteran welfare, and strategic preparedness amid evolving global and regional security challenges.
Bharat’s defence budgets since 2014: strategic spending in an era of rising threats
Since 2014, Bharat’s defence policy has undergone a significant transformation, marked by rising allocations, stronger procurement strategies, and renewed focus on modernisation. This decisive shift was necessary after a decade of military neglect, inadequate funding, and increasing cross-border threats. Before 2014, Bharat had suffered repeated terrorist infiltrations and internal security lapses, particularly from Pakistan-sponsored outfits. The armed forces lacked modern equipment, indigenous manufacturing was minimal, and capital outlays remained stagnant. However, with the political change in 2014, defence was prioritised as a pillar of national security and strategic autonomy.
The Union Budget 2014–15 allocated ₹2.29 lakh crore to the Ministry of Defence, a 12.5% increase over the previous year, with ₹5,000 crore specifically added for modernisation. This marked the beginning of a decade of rising defence investment. In the following years, budgets continued to grow: ₹2.46 lakh crore in 2015–16, ₹2.58 lakh crore in 2016–17, and ₹3.59 lakh crore in 2017–18. These years saw the introduction of foreign direct investment (FDI) reforms and the launch of major procurement deals, such as the Rafale fighter jets and S-400 air defence systems. Notably, the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme boosted morale among veterans, raising pension allocations significantly.
By 2018–19, the defence budget crossed ₹4 lakh crore for the first time, touching ₹4.04 lakh crore. The capital outlay—funds used for modernisation and acquisition—increased to ₹99,563 crore. In 2019–20, defence allocation rose again to ₹4.31 lakh crore. This budget backed the induction of new weapon systems like the K-9 Vajra artillery guns, M777 howitzers, and furthered Bharat’s Rafale and S-400 commitments. The 2020–21 Budget took a bold leap with ₹4.71 lakh crore allocation, accounting for 15.49% of central government expenditure. This 9.37% increase over the previous year reflected the urgency to respond to rising tensions with both Pakistan and China.
Post-Galwan (2020) and amid evolving regional threats, the government remained committed to defence preparedness. In 2021–22, ₹4.78 lakh crore was allocated, with capital outlay increasing to ₹1.35 lakh crore. The government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative gained momentum, promoting indigenous defence manufacturing. Then in 2022–23, the defence budget touched ₹6.44 lakh crore, with ₹1.52 lakh crore allocated for capital expenditure—demonstrating the strongest focus yet on force modernisation and infrastructure. In 2023–24, Bharat allocated ₹5.94 lakh crore (13.18% of the total budget), with a sharp 44% rise in capital outlay, reaching ₹90,000 crore.
These budgets, growing in both size and strategic depth, show that Bharat has moved from reactive to proactive defence planning. From neglected forces in 2013 to an increasingly modern and confident military by 2024, the transition has been remarkable. The investments in combat readiness, veteran welfare, and indigenous R&D have proven worthwhile amid mounting external threats. Bharat’s military strength is no longer just about numbers—it reflects a conscious national strategy to safeguard sovereignty, stability, and self-reliance in a turbulent geopolitical environment.
Bharath strengthened its defence by launching the first private-sector military aircraft assembly
Bharath has not only fortified its defence capabilities through combat deployments and operational upgrades but also made strategic defence deals aimed at combating cross-border terrorism and infiltration. One of the landmark achievements in this direction was the launch of Bharath’s first private-sector military aircraft assembly line, which marks a decisive step towards full-spectrum self-reliance in aerospace defence manufacturing.
This cutting-edge Final Assembly Line (FAL) was established in Vadodara, Gujarat, as part of a ₹21,935-crore agreement signed in 2021 between the Ministry of Defence and Airbus Defence and Space SA, Spain. The contract aims to replace the aging Avro-748 aircraft of the Bharatiya Air Force with 56 C-295 tactical transport aircraft. While the first 16 aircraft will be delivered directly from Spain, the remaining 40 will be manufactured and assembled entirely in Bharath by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) — making it a watershed moment in Bharath’s defence industrialisation.
The Vadodara facility is more than just a manufacturing site — it is a symbol of Bharath’s emerging defence ecosystem, promoting indigenous production, high-skill employment, and technology transfer. This is the first time in Bharatiya history that a military aircraft will be built by a private-sector company, signalling a paradigm shift from state-dominated defence production to a public-private partnership model.
The C-295 aircraft, known for its agility and short takeoff/landing capabilities on unprepared airstrips, will significantly enhance Bharath’s rapid troop deployment and logistics operations — crucial in border areas prone to infiltration and surprise incursions.
This development also underlines Bharath’s deepening commitment to the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharath’ (self-reliant Bharath) vision in defence. By nurturing private sector capability and expanding domestic production, Bharath is preparing not only to meet its own strategic needs but also to emerge as a global exporter of defence platforms in the coming years.
This assembly line represents a strategic blend of national security, industrial growth, and defence diplomacy, making it a key highlight of Bharath’s defence achievements between 2014 and 2025.
Bharath Army had launched ‘Agniastra’, a portable multi-target detonation device, which was unveiled by the Army Chief on October 11, 2024. This device held tremendous potential for use in room interventions, destruction of remote bunkers or hideouts, and reserve demolitions. Developed by the Corps of Engineers of the Bharath Army, Agniastra was considered a significant advancement in both conventional and counter-terrorism operations, enhancing the tactical capabilities of the forces in complex combat scenarios.
In another notable achievement, a Bharath Army Major who had previously developed bulletproof jackets against sniper bullets also created the world’s first bulletproof helmet capable of stopping an AK-47 bullet fired from a distance of 10 meters. This breakthrough significantly improved soldier protection during combat, reducing head injury risks on the battlefield. Since 2016, the Bharath Army had procured large numbers of bulletproof jackets and ballistic helmets through revenue and capital routes, reflecting its ongoing commitment to troop safety and innovation in personal protective equipment.
First Indigenous frigate ‘Triput’ launched by Goa Shipyard Limited
On July 23, 2024, Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) successfully launched the first indigenous P1135.6 frigate named Triput. This vessel marked a significant milestone as it was the first of the two frigates of the P1135.6 class to be constructed entirely in Bharat by GSL. The ship, measuring 124 meters in length and 15.5 meters in width, was powered by four gas turbines and was designed to reach a maximum speed of 28 knots with a displacement of around 3,200 tonnes, showcasing Bharat’s growing capabilities in building advanced warships indigenously.
DRDO and L&T unveiled the Zorawar light tank for high-altitude operations
On July 8, 2024, DRDO and Larsen & Toubro (L&T), with support from various MSMEs, unveiled the Zorawar light tank designed for high-altitude operations. This 25-tonne tank was developed in response to the tactical challenges faced during the 2020 standoff with China in Eastern Ladakh. The tank’s lightweight design enabled easy air transport and allowed it to fire at high angles while also performing limited artillery roles. This innovation enhanced the operational mobility of the Bharatiya Army in difficult mountainous terrains.
Made-in-Bharat first ‘Nagastra-1’ delivered to army
On June 14, 2024, Solar Industries from Nagpur delivered the first indigenously developed loitering munition, Nagastra-1, to the Bharatiya Army. This UAV-based weapon system acted like an aerial ambush capable of hovering over targets for extended periods. Unlike conventional munitions, Nagastra-1 had the unique capability to abort an attack mid-mission and safely return, enhancing precision and operational flexibility in battlefield scenarios.
Rudram-II anti-radiation missile from Su-30MKI
Bharat successfully test-fired the Rudram-II, an air-to-surface supersonic anti-radiation missile, from a Su-30MKI fighter jet on May 29, 2024. Developed by DRDO, Rudram-II was the country’s first indigenously created missile designed specifically to suppress enemy air defenses by targeting radar installations, communication centers, and other radio frequency sources. This missile represented a leap in Bharat’s defense capabilities in electronic warfare and SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defense) missions.
Bharat’s first indigenously manufactured UAV ‘Drishti 10 Starliner’ unveiled
On January 10, 2024, the Bharatiya Navy unveiled the Drishti 10 Starliner, Bharat’s first indigenously manufactured unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), developed by Adani Defence and Aerospace. This advanced ISR platform boasted an endurance of 36 hours and a payload capacity of 450 kg, significantly boosting Bharat’s reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities in maritime and land operations.
Bharatiya Navy received first missile cum ammunition barge for operational preparedness
On February 24, 2024, the Bharatiya Navy launched its first missile cum ammunition (MCA) barge, Yard 75 (LSAM7), at Guttenadeevi, Visakhapatnam. Rear Admiral Sandeep Mehta inaugurated the vessel, which was equipped with auxiliary equipment and systems sourced entirely from indigenous manufacturers. The MCA barge served as a key asset to enhance the Navy’s operational preparedness and was a proud representation of the Ministry of Defence’s “Make In India” initiative.
Missile development and strategic advancements (2019–2025)
Bharat’s missile development program witnessed significant breakthroughs between 2019 and 2025, marking a leap in strategic defense capabilities. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) spearheaded the creation of several advanced missile systems tailored for different tactical and strategic roles.
A landmark achievement was the development of the hypersonic Brahmastra missile, successfully tested on March 7, 2025. This hypersonic glide missile operates at speeds of Mach 10 (12,144 km/h) and has a striking range of 1,500 kilometers, representing cutting-edge technology designed to enhance Bharat’s rapid strike capability.
In parallel, the Agni missile series saw remarkable progress. The Agni-V, an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with a range exceeding 5,000 km, was tested multiple times between 2018 and 2024. These tests affirmed Bharat’s status as one of the few nations possessing credible long-range nuclear deterrence. Complementing this, the DRDO introduced the Agni-P (Prime) missile on April 4, 2024. This new-generation, nuclear-capable medium-range ballistic missile features a two-stage, canister-launched solid propellant design, with an operational range between 1,000 and 2,000 kilometers, providing enhanced flexibility for battlefield deployment.
Bharat’s air defense was further strengthened through the induction of the Russian-origin S-400 missile system between 2021 and 2023. This advanced surface-to-air missile system significantly bolstered Bharat’s ability to counter modern aerial threats with extended range and precision targeting.
In 2019, Bharat demonstrated its strategic space defense capabilities with Mission Shakti, successfully testing an anti-satellite (ASAT) missile and becoming the fourth country worldwide to achieve this feat. This capability underscores India’s growing strength in space warfare and defense technologies.
Other milestones include the successful flight-testing of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile with an indigenous seeker in 2018, enhancing Bharat’s precision strike abilities, and the delivery of the Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM) system to the Bharatiya Navy in 2017, reinforcing air defense at sea.
Indigenous aircraft and naval developments (2015–2023)
Alongside missile advancements, India made substantial progress in indigenous combat aircraft and naval platforms. The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Bharat’s first homegrown supersonic fighter jet, was officially inducted into the Bharatiya Air Force in January 2015. By October 2023, the twin-seater variant was introduced, featuring a lightweight, all-weather multi-role design equipped to carry an array of precision-guided weapons.
The Bharatiya Navy also witnessed key milestones. The launch of INS Kavaratti in October 2020, an anti-submarine warfare stealth corvette built under Project 28, enhanced the Navy’s submarine detection and engagement capabilities. In December 2022, the Navy launched INS Arnala, the country’s first indigenous anti-submarine shallow water craft, further strengthening coastal defense.
Adding to maritime strike capabilities, the DRDO and Bharatiya Navy successfully test-fired the Naval Anti-Ship Missile (NASM-SR) in May 2022, the first indigenously developed air-launched missile for the Navy.
Army modernization and armored vehicles (2019–2022)
The Bharatiya Army focused on modernizing its combat and support vehicles with several indigenous platforms. The induction of the Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicle (QRFV) in April 2022 enhanced rapid troop mobility and battlefield agility. Complementary systems such as the Ultra Long Range Observation System and mine-protected armored vehicles further fortified infantry protection and reconnaissance.
In December 2021, Bharat Electronics Limited and DRDO introduced the Armored Engineer Reconnaissance Vehicle (AERV), an amphibious infantry combat vehicle designed for land and water reconnaissance with over 90% indigenous content, marking a significant step in self-reliant defense manufacturing.
Artillery and weapon system enhancements (2019)
The Bharatiya Army took a major step in artillery modernization by inducting the Dhanush artillery gun in April 2019. This indigenous 155mm x 45 caliber long-range artillery system boasts a striking range of 38 kilometers and an indigenization level of 81%, reflecting India’s commitment to self-sufficiency in defense technology.
Bharat’s transformation into a global military powerhouse post-2014
Since 2014, Bharat has embarked on a remarkable journey to transform its defense forces into one of the world’s most powerful and technologically advanced militaries. This transformation is not merely a reflection of increased defense spending but a testament to Bharat’s strategic vision, indigenous innovation, and relentless pursuit of self-reliance under the “Make in India” initiative. Today, Bharat stands tall among the top global military powers, with a defense ecosystem that integrates cutting-edge technology, robust manufacturing capabilities, and operational readiness at an unprecedented scale.
At the core of this transformation lies the significant modernization of the Bharatiya Air Force (IAF), which has evolved into a formidable aerial combat force. The induction of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, the development of indigenous missile systems like the Astra air-to-air missile, and the enhancement of radar and surveillance capabilities have collectively elevated Bharat’s air defense and offensive reach. The deployment of advanced radar systems, such as the indigenous Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM) and sophisticated phased-array radars, has fortified Bharat’s aerial vigilance and rapid response mechanisms, ensuring a strategic edge in detecting and neutralizing threats.
Equally transformative is the rapid development of indigenous missile systems, including hypersonic glide missiles like the Brahmastra, long-range ballistic missiles such as the Agni-V, and the precision-guided BrahMos cruise missile. These systems not only enhance Bharat’s deterrence capability but also assert its position as a pioneer in next-generation warfare technology. The successful Mission Shakti anti-satellite missile test underscored Bharat’s capabilities in space defense, placing it in an exclusive group of nations with strategic space warfare capacity.
The consistent increase in defense budgets over the past decade, coupled with targeted investments in research and development, manufacturing, and strategic procurement, has enabled Bharat to drastically reduce its dependency on foreign arms imports. This focus on indigenization has empowered domestic defense companies such as DRDO, Bharat Electronics Limited, Tata Advanced Systems, and Bharat Forge to deliver state-of-the-art weapon systems, armored vehicles, and combat platforms tailored to Bharat’s unique defense needs.
The robustness of Bharat’s military capabilities was vividly demonstrated during critical operations like Operation Sindhoor, where the synergy of advanced weaponry, superior intelligence, real-time radar surveillance, and swift aerial support played a pivotal role in mission success. The operational readiness and technological sophistication of the Bharat armed forces proved decisive, showcasing the real-world impact of the strategic investments and modernization efforts post-2014.
Furthermore, Bharat’s naval advancements, including stealth corvettes like INS Kavaratti and indigenous anti-submarine vessels such as INS Arnala, have expanded Bharat’s maritime dominance in the Bharatiya Ocean Region, complementing the air and land forces to create a tri-service integrated defense posture.
In conclusion, Bharat’s defense metamorphosis post-2014 is a powerful narrative of ambition, innovation, and strategic foresight. The country’s ability to harness indigenous technologies, boost manufacturing capacities, and maintain a robust defense budget has culminated in a military force that is agile, resilient, and capable of safeguarding national sovereignty against a spectrum of traditional and emerging threats. As Bharat continues to develop and integrate sophisticated defense systems, its position as a leading military power on the global stage is not only secure but poised for even greater prominence in the decades to come.
