As we close the chapter on 2024, conflicts continue in various regions around the world. Despite ongoing efforts aimed at establishing peace, hostilities remain intense on multiple fronts, increasing the risk of broader global conflict.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi repeatedly reiterated the country’s commitment to the principle of “no era of war”, and urged global leaders to embrace “peace, dialogue and diplomacy”. However, India also recognized the need to enhance its defense capabilities to establish itself as a recognized regional power.
Furthermore, increasing unrest in neighboring regions has increased India’s imperative to enhance its defense strategy to safeguard its national interests.
In response, India has significantly increased its military arsenal in 2024 to meet its security needs.
Notably, these advances not only strengthened the country’s military capabilities but also advanced the ambitious Make in India Initiative.
Most of these enhancements were either entirely domestically produced or consisted of substantial components manufactured within India.
Following are the latest inductions into the Indian Armed Forces:-
AK-203 rifles
The AK-203 is a modernized version of the famous Kalashnikov series, chambered for the 7.62×39mm cartridge. In 2024, the India-Russia joint venture, Indo-Russia Rifles Pvt Ltd (IRRPL), delivered 35,000 AK-203 rifles. Indian ArmyEnhancing infantry capabilities with improved accuracy, reliability and ease of maintenance.
asmi smg
ASMI is an indigenous 9 mm submachine gun developed by the Infantry School of the Indian Army and DRDO. Designed for close combat, it provides a compact and lightweight solution for counter-terrorism and special operations. In 2024, the Indian Army inducted 550 ASMI units into the Northern Command, strengthening its close-combat arsenal.
Bheeshma Cubes
Bheeshma Cubes are innovative mobile medical units developed under Project Bheeshma (Bharat Health Initiative for Co-operation in Health). friendshipThese are specifically designed to provide emergency medical care in conflict zones and disaster affected areas. Equipped with trauma, burn and surgical facilities, they operate autonomously with electricity and oxygen generation.
firearms
It is a portable multi-target detonation device developed by the Corps of Engineers of the Indian Army. This microprocessor-based innovation enhances the safety and efficiency of demolition operations, offering superior range and selective targeting. With a range of 2.5 km, Agnistra proves invaluable in conventional and counter-terrorism operations, such as room interdiction, IED destruction and destroying remote bunkers or hideouts.
Nagastra-1
This is the first indigenous Loiter Munition i.e. suicide drone of the Indian Army. A man-portable, electric UAV weighing 9 kg with a range of up to 30 km. Equipped with a 1 kg warhead, it provides GPS-enabled precision strikes and low acoustic signature, making it effective in both day and night operations. It has more than 75% indigenous content and its unique recovery and reuse capabilities set it apart from global counterparts.
T-90 Mk-III tank
India’s defense sector marked a milestone with the rollout of 10 T-90 MK-III tanks (upgraded version of T-90 Bhishma tank) by Armored Vehicles Corporation Limited. Manufactured at the HVF, these tanks feature upgrades such as an automatic target tracking system, a digital ballistic computer and an indigenously developed commander sight. The entire batch of 464 tanks will be delivered over five years.
Igla-s manpads
In 2024, the Indian Army inducted 24 Russian-made Igla-S MANPADS with 100 missiles to enhance its very short-range air defense (VSHORAD). This system targets low flying aircraft, droneAnd missiles. The deal involves domestic production of replacement of aging Igla-1M systems through transfer of technology.
sky arrow
In 2024, the Indian Army introduced Akashteer, an advanced air defense system. It combines sensors from different sources to create a clear view of the sky, helping the military respond quickly to threats such as aircraft and missiles. With the supply of over 100 systems, the project will be fully deployed by 2027, strengthening India’s defence.
serine hexadron
Indian Army introduced Sirin Hexadrone, an advanced hexacopter drone designed for combat operations. With a flight endurance of 45 minutes, it can carry up to 1 kilogram of weapons, including machine guns and grenades. Developed by Ikran Aerospace, it features advanced targeting, encrypted communications and efficient electric propulsion, enhancing surveillance and reducing troop casualties.
INS Tushil
Indian Navy The induction of INS Tushil, a multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate, is an important milestone in enhancing India’s maritime capabilities. The seventh ship in the Project 1135.6 series, INS Tushil has advanced weapons such as BrahMos missile and Shtil surface-to-air missile. It integrates 26% indigenous systems.
INS Sandhyak
The Indian Navy commissioned INS Sandhyak, an advanced survey vessel, at Visakhapatnam in 2024. The 110 meter vessel is equipped with state-of-the-art sonar systems, enhancing the Navy’s hydrographic survey and ocean research capabilities. With a speed of 18 knots, INS Sandhyak will strengthen India’s maritime security and research.
INS Triput
INS Triput is India’s first indigenously built Talwar class frigate and was launched in 2024. It was built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL). Part of India’s effort to strengthen its maritime defence, the 124.8-metre ship features advanced stealth technology and powerful weapon systems, including BrahMos missiles.
INS Arighat
India will commission its second nuclear-powered submarine INS Arighat in 2024, enhancing its strategic deterrence capability. Equipped with K-15 (750 km range) and K-4 (3,500 km range) submarine-launched ballistic missiles, it joins INS Arihant in strengthening India’s nuclear triad. Powered by a pressurized light-water reactor, INS Arighat ensures survivability to counter-attacks, supporting India’s “no first use” policy.
INS Director
The second ship of the Survey Vessel (Large) project, INS Direksha, was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2024. Built with more than 80% indigenous content, it has advanced hydrographic systems for ocean mapping and navigation. The ship supports India’s maritime diplomacy and security in the Indian Ocean region.
INS Malpe and INS Mulki
Indian Navy launches Malpe and Mulki, the fourth and fifth ships of the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) project in 2024, built by? Cochin Shipyard The LTD ships, part of the Mahe class, have more than 80% indigenous content and are designed for coastal anti-submarine operations with a speed of 25 knots and an endurance of up to 1800 nautical miles.
vision 10 starliner drone
Indian Navy acquired its first indigenous medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) drone, Drishti 10 Starliner, developed by Adani Defense and Aerospace in collaboration with Elbit Systems. With 70% indigenous content, the drone offers 36 hours of endurance, 450 kg payload capacity and adaptability to surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
INS Surat and INS Nilgiri
Indian Navy to get destroyer INS Surat and frigate INS Nilgiri in 2024. Built by Warship Design Bureau and MDL, these ships enhance India’s naval capabilities with a focus on self-reliance. INS Surat, the fourth and final Project 15B destroyer, claims to be upgraded WeaponAI integration, and speeds of over 30 knots.
INS Nilgiri, the first Project 17A frigate, is equipped with state-of-the-art missile systems. Both ships have 75% indigenous content.
advanced weapons testing
Apart from these inductions, India conducted successful tests and trials of several other lethal advanced weapons this year.
The country test-fired a domestically developed long-range hypersonic missile capable of carrying a payload over 1,500 km at a speed exceeding Mach 5.
The Navy test fired the extended range BrahMos missile, while the Agni Prime missile with MIRV technology was also successful in its test firing.
defense deals
India signed agreements with several countries to acquire new weapons, including a Rs 28,000 crore deal with the US for MQ-9B Predator drones and the inauguration of Spain’s C-295 aircraft manufacturing plant in Vadodara, Gujarat .
The country has also approved various upgrades to its existing arsenal to enhance its combat capabilities.
For example, the Sukhoi-30s, considered the backbone of the Indian Air Force, will get a major makeover to extend their life by 30 more years.
The IAF will also soon receive the first batch of Indian-made LCA Tejas, an upgraded version of the Tejas MK-1A, which is being developed by HAL.
