Drones, data, cognitive warfare: How India plans to build a future-ready military

Jayanta KalitaTIMESOFINDIA.COM
Apr 3, 2026 | 16:53 IST
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The ‘Vision 2047’ document released recently outlines a three-phase roadmap aimed at transforming India’s military into a technologically advanced, integrated, self-reliant, and ‘world-class’ force by the centenary of India's independence

India’s military has undergone a profound technological transformation since the 1962 war with China, which exposed critical gaps in preparedness, intelligence, and equipment. In its aftermath, the country prioritised modernisation, expanding indigenous defence research and strengthening domestic production.

Over the decades, the armed forces have inducted advanced artillery, missile systems, and air defence assets, while enhancing surveillance through satellites and drones. The digital era will further accelerate this shift, with network and data-centric warfare as well as artificial intelligence (AI)-driven analytics.
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