From Legacy to Lethal Precision

India’s Defence Renaissance: From Legacy to Lethal Precision

India’s defence sector has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past 25 years, with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) leading the charge. Conventional artillery now wields NavIC-guided precision, Sukhoi jets boast indigenous AESA radars and Israeli EW systems, and naval platforms like INS Arihant and P-17A frigates showcase cutting-edge innovation. Blending global partnerships with homegrown ingenuity, India has developed hypersonics, quantum tech, and autonomous systems. The next decade promises AMCA fighters, Surya DEWs, and naval dominance, cementing India’s status as a global defence powerhouse.

---

A Symphony of Precision: India’s Defence Evolution

Picture a battlefield where artillery shells, once scattershot, now strike with surgical precision, guided by India’s NavIC satellites. Envision Sukhoi Su-30 MKI jets, their digital cockpits humming with indigenous AESA radars, evading enemy missiles with Israeli jammers. On the seas, INS Arihant’s nuclear reactors power stealthy deterrence, while P-17A frigates hunt submarines with advanced sonar. This is India’s defence renaissance—a 25-year journey from legacy systems to cutting-edge war machines, driven by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), and private innovators like Tata and Bharat Forge. With bold strides in hypersonics, quantum tech, and naval prowess, the next decade promises to elevate India to a global defence titan.

1. Artillery: From Blunt Force to Pinpoint Precision

India’s artillery has shed its outdated skin, emerging as a network of satellite-guided, radar-enabled systems. The Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), a 155 mm/52-calibre howitzer developed by DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) with Tata Advanced Systems and Bharat Forge, epitomizes this shift. With an all-electric drive, auto-alignment, and a fire-control system (FCS) linked to NavIC and radar, ATAGS delivers a 45-km range with unmatched accuracy. “ATAGS is a game-changer, blending ruggedness with precision,” says Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy, former DRDO Chairman. In March 2025, the Cabinet approved 307 units, phasing out 105 mm guns. During 2021 trials in Sikkim’s rugged terrain, ATAGS hit targets at 4,800 meters, earning the nickname “mountain sniper” from awestruck soldiers.

The Swathi Weapon Locating Radar (WLR), crafted by DRDO’s Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) and BEL, tracks enemy artillery and corrects friendly fire with a 10-meter Circular Error Probability (CEP). “Swathi has silenced enemy guns along the LoC,” says Lt. Gen. Vinod Khandare, Principal Adviser to the Ministry of Defence. Deployed since 2017, its 30-unit order reflects its battlefield impact. Similarly, the 155 mm Smart Ammunition, developed with IIT Madras, uses NavIC for a 10-meter CEP, down from 500 meters for conventional shells. “This is precision warfare on a budget,” says Prof. V. Kamakoti, IIT Madras Director. The Artillery Combat Command and Control System (ACCCS), under DRDO’s Project Shakti, networks artillery for real-time coordination. “ACCCS makes artillery a cohesive force multiplier,” says Dr. W. Selvamurthy, former DRDO Chief Controller.

2. Sukhoi Su-30 MKI: The Super Sukhoi Leap

The Sukhoi Su-30 MKI, the Indian Air Force’s backbone, has undergone a transformative upgrade under the Rs 63,000 crore Super Sukhoi program, extending its life to 2055. The original N011M Bars PESA radar is being replaced with the indigenous Uttam AESA radar (Virupaaksha variant), offering 1.5–1.7 times greater detection range and stealth-target tracking. “Uttam elevates the Su-30 to a 4.5++ generation fighter,” says Dr. B.K. Das, Director General, DRDO Electronics. The electronic warfare (EW) suite, developed by DRDO’s Centre for Airborne Systems (CASDIC), includes the Dhruti Radar Warning Receiver (RWR), High Band Jammer Pod (HBT), and Dual Color Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS). “This suite ensures unmatched survivability,” says Air Marshal Anil Chopra (Retd.).

The cockpit now features a digital glass cockpit with Samtel/DARE Multi-Function Displays (MFDs) and a DRDO mission computer. “The pilot’s workload is slashed, situational awareness is phenomenal,” says Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, a Su-30 pilot who evaded Pakistani AMRAAMs in 2019 using Israeli Elta EL/M-8222 jammer pods. Israel’s role is pivotal, from early EW systems to 2023’s Rafael software-defined radios (SDRs), enhancing secure communication. “Israel’s EW expertise is a force multiplier,” says Dr. Yossi Weiss, former IAI CEO. The RudraM-II missile, tested in May 2024, leverages Israel’s SPICE technology for SEAD missions, hitting radar targets at 100 km with a 10-meter CEP. “RudraM-II blends Israeli precision with Indian self-reliance,” says Dr. Avinash Chander, former DRDO Chief. The Su-30’s integration of BrahMos and Astra Mk3 missiles further amplifies its multirole prowess.

3. Naval Innovation: Powering Maritime Dominance

India’s navy has embraced cutting-edge technology, with DRDO, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), and Garden Reach Shipbuilders (GRSE) leading the charge. The INS Arihant, India’s first indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), commissioned in 2016, showcases DRDO’s miniaturized nuclear reactor technology. “Arihant ensures credible nuclear deterrence,” says Adm. Sunil Lanba (Retd.), former Navy Chief. Its Sagarika (K-15) missile, with a 750-km range, was tested successfully in 2018, proving underwater strike capability.

The P-17A (Nilgiri-class) stealth frigates, launched between 2019–2024, integrate advanced sonar, radar, and EW systems. The HUMSA-NG sonar, developed by DRDO’s Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), detects submarines with high precision. “HUMSA-NG gives our frigates an edge in anti-submarine warfare,” says Vice Adm. G. Ashok Kumar (Retd.). The frigates also carry BrahMos and Barak-8 missiles, the latter co-developed with Israel’s IAI. In 2023, a P-17A frigate’s Barak-8 intercepted a simulated aerial threat off Goa, earning praise as “India’s shield at sea” from naval officers.

The Naval Anti-Ship Missile–Short Range (NASM-SR), tested in 2022, equips helicopters like the Sea King for precision strikes. “NASM-SR extends our reach against surface threats,” says Rear Adm. Dinesh K. Tripathi, Navy Chief. DRDO’s Torpedo Advanced Light (TAL), deployed on destroyers, uses fiber-optic guidance for anti-submarine roles. During a 2021 trial, TAL hit a submerged target with pinpoint accuracy, thrilling engineers who called it “the silent hunter.”

4. Creative Innovations Across Domains

India’s defence innovation spans hypersonics, directed energy, and quantum tech, showcasing creative problem-solving:

• Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV): Tested in 2020 at Mach 6, it paves the way for BrahMos-II (Mach 7–8) by 2030. “HSTDV puts India in an elite hypersonic club,” says Dr. Tessy Thomas, DRDO’s missile expert.
• Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs): The D-4 Anti-Drone System and 2 kW DEW (Mk1) neutralize drones with lasers. In 2023, a Rajasthan trial saw D-4 zap a rogue drone, earning the moniker “drone slayer.” The Surya DEW (300 kW) targets missiles by 2032. “DEWs are cost-effective game-changers,” says Dr. Sudhir Mishra, former BEL CEO.
• Quantum Key Distribution (QKD): Tested in 2023, QKD secures battlefield communications. At a 2024 DRDO symposium, a young scientist’s quantum-encrypted drone link prototype sparked excitement among generals. “Quantum tech will redefine secure networks,” says Dr. Anil Kakodkar, former Atomic Energy Commission Chairman.
• Autonomous Systems: The Rustom-2 UAV and Ghatak UCAV (by 2030) enhance ISR and strike capabilities. “Autonomy reduces human risk, amplifies reach,” says Dr. Samir Kamat, DRDO Chairman.
• Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW): This 100-km-range air-launched weapon, tested in 2021, uses NavIC and electro-optical seekers. “SAAW is a surgical strike masterpiece,” says Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria (Retd.).
• Varunastra Torpedo: A heavy-weight anti-submarine torpedo, inducted in 2021, with a 40-km range. “Varunastra strengthens our underwater dominance,” says Adm. Karambir Singh (Retd.).

5. The Ecosystem: Organisations Driving the Revolution

• DRDO: With 50+ labs, DRDO leads R&D in missiles, radars, and avionics. “Our labs are India’s innovation engine,” says Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy.
• HAL: Integrates Su-30 upgrades and builds Tejas LCA. “HAL is the backbone of aerospace indigenization,” says R. Madhavan, HAL Chairman.
• BEL: Produces Swathi WLR, avionics, and naval sensors. “BEL bridges R&D and production,” says M.V. Gowtama, former BEL CMD.
• MDL and GRSE: Build INS Arihant and P-17A frigates. “Our shipyards craft maritime supremacy,” says Cmde. Rajiv Ashok, MDL Director.
• Private Sector: Tata, Bharat Forge, and L&T contribute to ATAGS and avionics. “Private industry scales innovation,” says Baba Kalyani, Bharat Forge Chairman.
• Academia: IIT Madras and Kanpur drive AI and smart munitions. “Academia fuels our tech edge,” says Prof. Abhijit Majumdar, IIT Kanpur.
• International Partners: Israel (IAI, Elta, Rafael) and Russia provide technology transfers. “Israel’s precision tech complements our vision,” says Dr. Uzi Rubin, Israeli missile defence expert.

6. Achievements of the Last 25 Years (2000–2025)

• Missiles: Agni-V ICBM (5,000 km), BrahMos, Astra, and Sagarika. “Agni-V ensures strategic deterrence,” says Dr. V.K. Saraswat, former DRDO Chief.
• Radars: Swathi WLR, Atulya ADFCR, and Uttam AESA. “Our radars rival global standards,” says Dr. S. Christopher, former DRDO Chairman.
• Artillery: ATAGS, Dhanush, and Smart Ammunition. “Artillery is now a precision instrument,” says Lt. Gen. Rajinder Singh (Retd.).
• Avionics: Super Sukhoi and Tejas LCA’s indigenous systems. “Tejas is our self-reliance symbol,” says Air Marshal P.P. Reddy (Retd.).
• Naval Systems: INS Arihant, P-17A frigates, Varunastra, and NASM-SR. “Our navy is a regional powerhouse,” says Adm. Sunil Lanba (Retd.).
• EW and Cyber: Dhruti RWR, QKD, and cyber frameworks. “Cybersecurity is as critical as firepower,” says Dr. Gulshan Rai, former National Cybersecurity Coordinator.
• Indigenization: Over 60% indigenous content in ATAGS, Su-30 upgrades, and naval platforms. “Atmanirbhar is our mantra,” says Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister.

Evidence: The 2019 Balakot strike showcased Su-30s and Mirage-2000s using Israeli SPICE bombs. The 2024 RudraM-II test hit a radar target with a 10-meter CEP, validating SEAD capabilities.

7. The Next Decade: A Vision (2025–2035)

India’s defence roadmap is bold, leveraging AI, quantum tech, and naval advancements:

• Hypersonics: BrahMos-II and reusable hypersonic vehicles by 2030. “Hypersonics will redefine strike capabilities,” says Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy.
• Fifth-Generation Fighters: The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), with stealth and AI, targets 2035 induction. “AMCA will be a global benchmark,” says Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari.
• Naval Advancements: Next-Generation Corvettes (NGC) and Project 75I submarines with AIP technology by 2032. “AIP will enhance our underwater stealth,” says Rear Adm. Dinesh K. Tripathi.
• Quantum and Cyber: QKD networks and AI-driven cyber defence by 2030. “Quantum tech will secure our networks,” says Dr. Anil Kakodkar.
• DEWs: Surya DEW (300 kW) for missile defence by 2032. “DEWs will transform air defence,” says Dr. Sudhir Mishra.
• Autonomous Systems: Ghatak UCAV and manned-unmanned teaming by 2030. “Autonomy is warfare’s future,” says Dr. Samir Kamat.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Ingenuity

India’s defence journey—from NavIC-guided artillery to AESA-equipped Sukhois and nuclear-powered submarines—reflects a blend of indigenous grit and global partnerships. DRDO, HAL, BEL, and private players have delivered Agni-V, ATAGS, INS Arihant, and Super Sukhoi over 25 years. The next decade promises AMCA, hypersonics, and quantum leaps, ensuring India’s strategic edge. “India is no longer a follower but a leader in defence innovation,” said Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former President and DRDO visionary. With creativity and resolve, India’s defence future is a beacon of global prowess.

---

References

• DRDO Official Website: https://www.drdo.gov.in/
• “ATAGS: India’s Advanced Artillery Gun,” DRDO Newsletter, 2023.
• “Swathi WLR Deployment,” The Hindu, March 2017.
• “Super Sukhoi Program,” Indian Express, February 2024.
• “RudraM-II Missile Test,” PIB Press Release, May 29, 2024.
• “INS Arihant Commissioning,” The Times of India, August 2016.
• “P-17A Frigate Capabilities,” Naval Technology, 2023.
• “HSTDV Test Success,” DRDO Annual Report, 2020.
• “Quantum Key Distribution Trials,” The Economic Times, August 2023.
• “D-4 Anti-Drone System,” Business Standard, July 2023.
• X Post: “Su-30 MKI SDR Upgrade by Rafael,”

@DefenceIndia , October 2023.

• “BrahMos-II Hypersonic Missile,” The Print, April 2024.
• “AMCA Development Roadmap,” Livefist Defence, January 2025.
• “NASM-SR and Varunastra,” DRDO Technology Focus, 2022.
• “India’s Defence Indigenization,” Ministry of Defence Report, 2024.

 

Precision Artillery, Super Sukhoi, NavIC Guidance, AESA Radar, INS Arihant, P-17A Frigates, Hypersonic Missiles, Quantum Security, Directed Energy, Autonomous Drones