New Age Of Defence: India Unveils Its Defence Technology Stack | Open Interest

India has always maintained zero tolerance for terrorism and, as expected, gave a befitting reply to the terror attacks witnessed in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22, which saw 26 Indians killed by terrorists. India hit nine terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as well as Pakistan, which killed approximately 100 terrorists. What might have been surprising, especially for global peers, is how India carried out the strikes code-named Operation Sindoor.

India has always maintained zero tolerance for terrorism and, as expected, gave a befitting reply to the terror attacks witnessed in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22, which saw 26 Indians killed by terrorists. India hit nine terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as well as Pakistan, which killed approximately 100 terrorists. What might have been surprising, especially for global peers, is how India carried out the strikes code-named Operation Sindoor.

Operation Sindoor and the subsequent India-Pakistan conflict across the border seem to have changed the rules of engagement, with 'Beyond Visual Range' being the new warfare theme. It won't be a surprise if the four-day conflict is written and taught as an example of modern warfare.

After all, technology, including ISRO's earth observation satellite, i.e., domestically developed NavIC or Navigation with Indian Constellation, was used. NavIC provides accurate coordinates, primarily over India, and covers a 1,500 km radius beyond its borders. This system is integrated across all arms of the defence forces, weapon systems and platforms that deliver precision hits and interception across land, air and sea.

What may have surprised the global peers is that for the first time, a non-NATO country has demonstrated an integrated, self-made, real-time satellite-linked air command and control-linked system to provide real-time combat response and airspace control.

India's technology prowess came to the fore with the integrated air defence systems that detected and neutralised incoming projectiles and drone attacks. The domestic defence industry, especially the PSUs and private defence companies, delivered integrated systems. This integrated system combines with the strength of domestic technology companies that have set up the integrated command and control framework linking every asset across the armed forces to build a long-range, medium-range, and short-range air defence shield. 

During the Sunday briefing by the director generals of the three services, the Air Force confirmed that it thwarted all incoming projectiles and drone swarms from Pakistan. It also successfully delivered its message with precision to Pakistan air bases and military installations.

India's shift in defence strategy was evident if one is following the companies selected under the iDEX-Innovations for Defence Excellence, launched in May 2021 by the Defence Innovation Organisation under the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence. In the last five years, Indian armed forces have sought numerous solutions from India's drone start-up ecosystems. A significant part of the offerings was on display during the recent conflict. Start-up and emerging companies based out of Bengaluru and Pune contributed to 'Operation Sindoor'. The investment in start-ups has paid off.

The traditional air defence artillery has been modernised to integrate with real-time satellite monitoring to allow for a next-generation targeting and interception framework.

Operation Sindoor was, in other words, a display of the evolving defence ecosystem of India. The future of defence spending will be technology-led. India has demonstrated its defence tech stack in this conflict. And this is good news for domestic private and public sector defence companies which can use and display their offering aligned to the new defence technology stack. The key here is to improve the stack further and enhance the supplement with more use cases – not just in software but also in hardware – high-end chips and semiconductors.

Therefore, the next round of investments will likely be around space, navigation and beyond visual range platforms. While we are aware prowess of ISRO, the role of DRDO – Defence Research and Development Organisation – cannot be missed out. It has partnered with public sector and private sector companies to roll out platforms like air defence radar and air defence missiles like Akash, creating a formidable air defence shield for the country.