India has outlined a roadmap to transform its armed forces into a more technologically advanced, integrated, and self-reliant force by 2035.

At a Glance

• India’s military leaders set a 2035 target for modernization
• AI, quantum computing, and cyber defense are core priorities
• Indigenous manufacturing emphasized under Atmanirbhar Bharat
• Greater integration planned across army, navy, and air force
• A tri-services seminar unveiled the modernization framework

Roadmap for a Tech-Heavy Force

At a two-day seminar in Indore, senior Indian defense leaders presented a long-term plan for transforming the armed forces into a joint, tech-enabled, and self-reliant structure by 2035. The roadmap aims to integrate advanced digital technologies—including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and cyber defense—into everyday operations across the army, navy, and air force.

The effort is tied to the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative, which stresses indigenous production and reduced dependence on foreign defense imports. Officials emphasized that developing core technologies domestically will not only strengthen security but also help India emerge as a key defense exporter in the region.

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Why It Matters

India faces a complex security environment, with unresolved border tensions, maritime competition in the Indo-Pacific, and the rising role of drones and autonomous systems in warfare. By embracing a more networked, technology-driven force, defense leaders argue that India can maintain operational readiness while containing procurement costs.

The modernization plan highlights several priority areas. AI will be applied to decision-making, targeting, and logistics, while quantum computing is expected to enhance encryption and secure communications. Cyber defense has been elevated as a strategic domain, with emphasis on both resilience and offensive capability.

Strategic Implications

The Indian armed forces have long grappled with integration challenges, with each service traditionally operating in silos. The 2035 roadmap calls for greater jointness, including unified command structures and shared digital platforms. This shift mirrors trends seen in advanced militaries such as the United States, which emphasizes interoperability and data-centric warfare.

Domestically, the program could accelerate India’s defense industrial base. Partnerships between the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), private sector firms, and startups are expected to expand, spurred by incentives for indigenous design and production. For India’s technology sector, this represents both a commercial opportunity and a chance to play a direct role in national security.

Internationally, India’s modernization push may reshape defense partnerships. Nations such as the U.S., France, and Israel are already key suppliers of advanced military technology, but the emphasis on self-reliance suggests a gradual rebalancing toward co-development and reduced imports. At the same time, India’s neighbors will be watching closely, as a tech-enabled Indian force by 2035 could alter the strategic equation in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific.

Sources

Times of India
The Hindu
Defense News