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Picture Courtesy:  THE HINDU

Context

India has revealed a 15-year defence modernization plan, the Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap (TPCR-2025), aimed at strengthening nuclear deterrence, advancing drone warfare, and achieving self-reliance in defence production.

Key Highlights of TPCR-2025

Nuclear Deterrence

• Objective: Ensure credible minimum deterrence with survivable nuclear forces.
• Initiatives:
• Develop nuclear command-and-control infrastructure, radiation detection tools, and mobile decontamination units.
• Deploy unmanned ground vehicles for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) reconnaissance.
• Introduce nuclear propulsion for 10 Navy surface combatants, including a third aircraft carrier, and P77 nuclear attack submarines with 190MW reactors.
• Progress: INS Arihant and INS Arighat are operational, with INS Aridhaman nearing commissioning.

Drone Warfare Capabilities

• Stealth Drones: The Army seeks remotely piloted aircraft with 1,500 km range and 60,000 ft altitude, equipped with electronic warfare payloads and NBC detection.
• Loitering Munitions: AI-enabled precision strike drones with reusable warheads to enhance mechanized forces.
• Ghatak UCAV: A 13-ton stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicle with a 1,000 km range, powered by the indigenous Kaveri engine. The Indian Air Force plans to acquire 150 units.
• Swarm Drones: Over 20 companies, including NewSpace Research, have demonstrated autonomous drone swarms for coordinated strikes.

Counter-Drone Systems

• Market Growth: India’s anti-drone market, valued at $65.73 million in 2024, is projected to reach $496.71 million by 2031.
• Key Systems:
• DRDO’s D-4 system uses signal jamming and 2-kW laser destruction.
• Grene Robotics’ Indrajaal protects 4,000 sq km with AI-powered countermeasures.
• Solar Defence’s Bhargavastra neutralizes swarms with micro-missiles.
• Operational Success: Neutralized Pakistani drone swarms during Operation Sindoor, 2025.

India’s Nuclear Doctrine 

India’s Nuclear Doctrine (2003) ensures responsible deterrence amidst regional tensions with Pakistan and China.

Core Principles

• No First Use (NFU): India will not initiate nuclear strikes but reserves retaliation for nuclear or chemical-biological attacks.
• Credible Minimum Deterrence: Maintains survivable forces for massive retaliation.
• Civilian Control: Nuclear decisions rest with the Nuclear Command Authority, political leadership.

Challenges: Balancing NFU with evolving threats, ensuring robust command systems, and avoiding an arms race.

Strategic Significance of TPCR-2025

Global Positioning: With a $83.6 billion defence budget, India ranks as the fourth-largest defence spender globally.

Self-Reliance: Aims for 75% domestic procurement, reducing import dependency.

Regional Security: Counters China’s growing military satellite fleet (1,000+ in 2024) and Pakistan’s drone threats.

Economic Impact: Boosts domestic industry, creates jobs, and fosters innovation through PLI schemes and Drone Rules 2021.

Challenges in Implementation

Industrial Capacity: Scaling up production requires significant investment and skilled manpower.

Coordination: Managing 200+ systems across three services risks redundancy without streamlined oversight.

Cost Constraints: High costs of advanced systems like Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and hypersonic missiles strain budgets.

Technology Gaps: Indigenous development of critical components like engines lags behind global leaders.

India’s Strategic Approach

Selective Acquisitions: Procuring 31 MQ-9B Predator drones from the US for $3.99 billion enhances Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and precision strikes.

Private Sector Role: Companies like Adani Aerospace (Drishti 10) and IdeaForge (Netra) drive innovation.

Global Advocacy: India pushes for non-proliferation while strengthening deterrence, balancing regional and global roles.

Way Forward

Strengthen R&D: Increase funding for DRDO and private firms to bridge technology gaps.

Enhance Coordination: Establish a unified command for integrating systems across services.

Leverage Partnerships: Collaborate with allies like the US for technology transfers while prioritizing indigenous solutions.

Focus on Cybersecurity: Strengthen the Defence Cyber Agency to counter digital threats in modern warfare.

Conclusion

TPCR-2025 marks a transformative step towards making India a self-reliant military power. By integrating nuclear deterrence, advanced drone warfare, and cutting-edge technologies, India is preparing for future conflicts while asserting its strategic autonomy.  

Source:    THE HINDU