Indian Military to Get 28 Battle-Tested Indigenous Weapons Under Emergency Powers

In a major step towards strengthening India’s defence preparedness and promoting self-reliance, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has offered 28 indigenously developed weapon systems to the Indian armed forces for emergency procurement. This announcement comes amid rising tensions and recent military operations along the border, highlighting the importance of rapid and effective defence capabilities.

A Timely Move Under 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'

This initiative is closely linked to the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) mission, which aims to reduce dependence on foreign defence imports and encourage domestic production. The move follows the successful use of several DRDO-developed systems during Operation Sindoor, India’s decisive military response to the Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent cross-border hostilities with Pakistan.

Under recently granted emergency procurement powers, the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force can now fast-track the purchase of crucial defence equipment, bypassing the traditional lengthy acquisition process. Each procurement has a financial limit of ₹300 crore per system, allowing for swift approvals and deployment.

What’s on Offer?

The list of DRDO’s weapon systems covers a wide range of advanced technologies, including:

• Supersonic missiles like BrahMos

• Air defence systems such as Akash and MRSAM

• Pinaka multi-barrel rocket systems

• Anti-tank guided missiles like Nag and HELINA

• Anti-radiation missiles like Rudram

• Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons (SAAW)

• Long-range glide bombs

• Advanced lightweight torpedoes

• Laser-guided bombs

• Next-generation Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS-NG)

• Anti-drone systems

• Electronic warfare equipment

These systems have already proved their effectiveness in recent military operations, providing reliable and high-performance capabilities in real combat situations.

Distribution Across Services

The weapon systems are tailored to meet the operational needs of each armed force:

• 14 systems for the Indian Army

• 8 for the Indian Navy

• 6 for the Indian Air Force

The DRDO has also listed authorized manufacturers, including both public and private sector firms such as Bharat Dynamics Limited and Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited, ensuring flexibility, faster production, and transparent procurement.

Faster Delivery, Stronger Defence

Thanks to this emergency procurement process, the delivery timeline for these crucial systems is set at three to six months, enabling the armed forces to quickly enhance their operational readiness.

With military procurements worth approximately ₹40,000 crore planned under Operation Sindoor, this move ensures that India’s defence forces remain well-equipped to respond to any immediate threats.

A Strategic Shift Towards Indigenous Capability

The recent battlefield success of DRDO-developed systems has boosted confidence in India’s homegrown defence technologies. Their performance during critical moments, such as retaliatory strikes on Pakistani airbases including Murid and Nur Khan, demonstrated their reliability and strategic value.

By prioritizing indigenous weapon systems, India is not just addressing present-day security needs but also laying a strong foundation for long-term self-reliance and technological sovereignty in defence production.

DRDO’s offer of 28 advanced, battle-proven weapon systems marks a significant milestone in India’s defence modernization efforts. It signals a clear shift towards building and relying on domestic defence capabilities, ensuring that India’s armed forces remain ready, resilient, and self-sufficient in an increasingly complex security environment.