India approves US$17 billion defense upgrade amidst rising China tensions
New Delhi recently approved defense purchases worth $17.2 billion, signaling a significant boost to its military capabilities. The decision, spearheaded by the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) and chaired by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, includes ten key proposals that focus on upgrading the country’s combat vehicles, aircraft, patrol vessels, and other critical defense systems. Notably, 99 percent of the acquisitions will be sourced from domestic vendors, a move aligned with India’s broader push toward self-reliance in defense manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. This substantial defense procurement comes at a time of escalating tensions between India and China, particularly along their disputed Himalayan border and in the broader Indo-Pacific region.
Among the most significant acquisitions approved by the DAC is the procurement of Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCV) for the Indian Army. These next-generation battle tanks, described as “futuristic” by the Defense Ministry, will come equipped with advanced mobility, multilayered protection, and precision lethality. The tanks are designed to enhance all-terrain capabilities, making them suitable for India’s diverse and often challenging geography, from the deserts of Rajasthan to the icy heights of Ladakh.
India plans to replace its aging fleet of Russian-origin T-72 tanks with approximately 1,700 of these advanced FRCVs. The T-72s, a mainstay of India’s armored forces for decades, have seen extensive service but are now considered obsolete in the face of modern warfare requirements. By transitioning to the FRCV, the Indian Army is positioning itself to meet future combat challenges, particularly in light of evolving threats from China and Pakistan.
Also approved were proposals for air defense fire control radars designed to detect and track aerial targets. This comes as part of India’s efforts to strengthen its airspace defense capabilities in a region where air superiority is increasingly contested. These radars will be critical in providing early warning and real-time tracking of incoming aerial threats, enabling swift countermeasures.
In addition to radar systems, the DAC also sanctioned forward repair teams for on-site repairs during conflict, ensuring that damaged equipment can be swiftly restored to operational status. This is a key element of modern military logistics, as maintaining the readiness of frontline units is crucial during extended operations.
India’s maritime defenses will also see a significant upgrade with the procurement of Dornier-228 aircraft, fast patrol vessels, and offshore patrol vessels. The Indian Coast Guard, tasked with defending India’s vast coastline and maritime zones, will benefit from these acquisitions, which are designed to enhance its surveillance, patrolling, and disaster relief capabilities.
The fast patrol vessels will be equipped with advanced operational features, enabling them to perform effectively even in rough weather conditions. Meanwhile, the offshore patrol vessels will be built with long-range capabilities, allowing for extended deployments in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). These enhancements are seen as crucial given the growing threats posed by China’s increasing presence in the IOR, where Beijing has deployed surveillance ships and underwater mapping systems.
New Delhi has expressed deep concerns about China’s strategic moves in the region, particularly its infrastructure upgrades and enhanced military presence in the Himalayas, where the two nations have been locked in a border standoff since 2020. Beijing’s construction of airports, ports, and surveillance assets has further exacerbated India’s anxieties, leading to heightened military readiness on both sides.
China’s rising assertiveness, both on land and at sea, has been a major factor behind India’s recent defense purchases. The two Asian giants have had a contentious relationship for decades, particularly along their 3,488-kilometer border, where they fought a brief but bloody war in 1962. The situation flared up again in 2020, when clashes between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers. This standoff, though de-escalated, continues to cast a shadow over Sino-Indian relations.
China has been rapidly upgrading its military infrastructure along the border with India, including the construction of new airfields, roads, and missile sites. Additionally, its increasing presence in the IOR, through the development of ports in countries like Sri Lanka and Pakistan, has raised alarm in New Delhi. Indian officials have accused China of engaging in “underwater terrain mapping” and other activities aimed at gaining a strategic advantage in the region.
In response, India has been stepping up its own military capabilities. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) recently reported that India expanded its nuclear arsenal in 2023, increasing its number of warheads from 164 to 172. This expansion is believed to be aimed at deterring China, which has also been building up its nuclear capabilities. According to SIPRI, China’s nuclear arsenal grew from 410 warheads in January 2023 to 500 by January 2024, underscoring the growing arms race between the two nations.
One of the most striking aspects of India’s recent defense acquisitions is the focus on domestic procurement. By ensuring that 99% of the $17.2 billion will be spent on locally manufactured technology and weapons, the Indian government is not only reducing its dependence on foreign suppliers but also fostering the growth of its domestic defense industry.
This shift toward self-reliance in defense is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s broader Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which seeks to make India self-sufficient in key sectors. The defense sector, in particular, has been a major focus, with the government implementing policies to encourage domestic manufacturing and reduce imports. India, traditionally one of the world’s largest importers of arms, is now positioning itself as a defense exporter, with several Indian companies producing advanced weapons systems for both domestic and international markets.
The approval of these defense purchases marks a major step in this direction, as it will not only strengthen India’s military capabilities but also provide a significant boost to its defense industry. Companies like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), and the Ordnance Factory Board are expected to play key roles in the production of these new systems.
India’s $17.2 billion defense purchases mark a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing military modernization efforts. By focusing on domestic procurement and acquiring cutting-edge technology, India is preparing itself for the challenges of modern warfare while simultaneously reducing its reliance on foreign arms suppliers. As tensions with China continue to simmer, particularly in the border regions and the Indian Ocean, these acquisitions will provide the Indian armed forces with the tools they need to defend the nation’s sovereignty and security.
With the global geopolitical landscape becoming increasingly volatile, India’s investment in its defense capabilities underscores its determination to maintain a strong and secure position in the region. As the country continues to navigate its complex relationships with neighboring powers, this new era of military modernization will be crucial in shaping India’s strategic future.
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