India is working fast on indigenous and advanced techniques to strengthen its defense capabilities. In recent years, the Indian armed forces have taken steps towards including many important weapons systems. These include Tejas MK1A fighter jet, Project 17 Bravo Warships, INS Wagshir Hunter-Killer submarine and state-of-the-art weapons.
These systems will not only increase India’s war capacity, but will also promote indigenous defense production and self -reliance. Although the delay in projects such as Tejas MK1A and the challenges of the supply chain create some concerns, the government and the defense industries are actively working to solve these issues.
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These weapons will be established as a strong and self-sufficient military power in the Indian Ocean region amid growing geopolitical tension and regional challenges. In the coming years, these systems will enable the Indian Army not only in defensive but also aggressive strategies.
1. Tejas MK1A Fighter Jet: New Strength of Indigenous Fighter Aircraft
Tejas MK1A is an indigenous light fighter aircraft (LCA) developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF). It is an advanced version of Tejas MK1, which includes many modern techniques and reforms. It is a 4.5 generation multi-rol fighter jet, which is capable of both air to air and air to ground.
major features
Aesa radar: Active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, which is capable of tracking enemy planes and goals over a long distance.
Electronic Warfare System: Advanced electronic war system, which can jam enemy radar and missiles.
Weapon capacity: Tejas MK1A has the ability to carry indigenous Astra MK1 BVR (Beyond Visual Range) missiles, darby, python missiles, presiding-gounded bombs and rockets.
Mid-air refueling: Fuel filling capacity that increases its range and mission period.
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Progress and challenges
Order and delivery: The Indian Air Force has signed a deal of Rs 48,000 crore for 83 Tejas MK1A aircraft, which was scheduled to start from March 2024, but due to delay in supply of GE engines, it was postponed by 2025-26.
HAL plans to increase production capacity in Bengaluru and Nashik to 24 aircraft per year. Recently, private sector company Alpha Tokol Engineering Services assigned the first rear fuselage HAL for Tejas MK1A, which is an important step in indigenous defense production.
future plan
HAL is expected to get an order of 97 and Tejas MK1A aircraft, which will make the total number to 180. 80% technology transfer agreement with GE-414 engines for Tejas MK2 has been made, which will also be useful for AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) in future.
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2. Project 17 Bravo Warships: Navy’s new strength
Project 17 Bravo is an important project of the next generation stealth frigates for the Indian Navy. This project is an advanced version of 17A (eucalyptus) frigates. Which will include more advanced arms systems and stealth technology. These warships are being manufactured by Majhgaon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE).
major features
Stealth Design: Advanced design to reduce radar cross-section, which helps protect it from enemy radar.
Weapon System: BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, Barak-8 surface-to-Hawk missile, anti-sabamreen rocket launcher and torpedo system.
Advanced Sensor: Multi-function radar and sonar systems, which are capable of tracking sea and air threats.
Indigenous technology: Project 17 Bravo will use more than 70% indigenous materials, which will promote the target of self -sufficient India.
Seven Nilgiri-Class Frigates are being constructed under Project 17A, out of which INS Eucalyptus was commissioned in January 2025. Project 17 Bravo is considered more advanced. Design and development works have started for this. These warships will be important to combat the growing Chinese naval activities in the Indian Ocean region.
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3. INS Wagasheer: Hunter-Killer submarine
INS Vagshir is the sixth and final submarine of the Indian Navy’s Calwari-Class (Scorpine-Class) submarines, which is formed by Majgaon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in collaboration with the Naval Group of France. It was commissioned in the Navy on 15 January 2025. It is a diesel-electronic Hunter-Ciller submarine, known for the capabilities of stealth and attack.
major features
Stealth Technology: Low noise level and anti-radar design that helps protect it from the enemy’s sonar.
Weapon: Torpido, anti-ship missile (eg SM-39 Exosset) and the ability to carry mines.
Advanced Sensor: Advanced Sonar and Periscope System, which are capable of tracking the goals into the deep sea.
Operational Range: Suitable for long distance missions, which are ideal for patrolling the Indian Ocean.
INS Vagshir’s commission completes the Kalwari-Class Project, which strengthens India’s submarine fleet. This submarine will play an important role in combating the increasing presence of the Chinese Navy and other maritime threats. India will form more advanced submarines under Project 75i, which will include air-independent propption (AIP) technology.
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4. Rafael-M: Game-Charger for Navy
Rafael-M (Marine) is a multi-roll fighter jet manufactured by Dassault Aviation, France, formed for its aircraft INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya. It is the naval version of Rafale Jet, which is specially designed for operating from aircraft carriers.
major features
Multi-Roll Capacity: Able in air from air, air to ground and sea to sea missions.
Weapon: Metior BVR missile, scalp cruise missile, anti-ship missile and presiding-guided bomb.
Advanced Sensor: AESA radar, infrared search and track (IRST) system and electronic warfare suit.
Aircraft operating: Strong landing gear and tail hooks that make it suitable for takeoff and landing from career deck.
The Indian Navy has given priority to Rafael-M after competition between Rafael-M and American F/A-18 Super Hornet. 26 Rafale-M is also a proposal for construction of M-88 engines in India for Jets. These Jet will increase the aerial strength of the Navy, especially to replace the old MiG-29K.