India has launched an ambitious modernisation drive to strengthen its military capabilities after Operation Sindoor, a campaign that reasserted New Delhi’s determination to combat cross-border terrorism and deter regional threats. The government is investing billions of dollars to develop advanced fighter jets, air defence systems, and missile technologies to stay ahead in an increasingly volatile neighbourhood.
Officials and defence analysts say India’s modernisation push is not only a strategic necessity but also a response to the growing military cooperation among Pakistan, China, and Turkey, which has significantly altered the regional balance.
India’s major defence upgrades
India’s defence strategy today centres on building self-reliance and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers. The focus areas include the indigenous fifth-generation fighter jet programme, next-generation missile systems, and layered air defence networks capable of countering threats from both Pakistan and China.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are leading efforts to develop the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s fifth-generation stealth fighter. The aircraft is designed to rival China’s J-20 and Pakistan’s Chinese-supplied J-31 fighters, with superior avionics, stealth technology, and indigenous weapons integration.
India is also strengthening its air defence systems with the Akash, S-400, and indigenous Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS), all designed to protect against aerial incursions and drone attacks. These measures come at a time when the Line of Control with Pakistan and the Line of Actual Control with China remain under persistent tension.
China’s military edge and its support to Pakistan
China remains the most formidable security challenge for India. Over the past decade, Beijing has built one of the world’s most advanced militaries, rivaling even the United States in missile and air power. It has already moved into the development phase of sixth-generation fighter jets and hypersonic missile systems.
China’s close defence relationship with Pakistan is another major concern for India. Beijing continues to supply Islamabad with modern aircraft, drones, and missile systems, effectively making Pakistan a frontline partner in its regional containment strategy. Reports suggest that Pakistan is negotiating with China to procure fifth-generation stealth aircraft and advanced missile systems, which could further destabilise South Asia’s fragile security balance.
Turkey joins the axis
A newer but growing concern for India is Turkey’s alignment with Pakistan. Ankara has emerged as a strong military and political supporter of Islamabad, often echoing Pakistan’s anti-India rhetoric at international platforms such as the United Nations.
During and after Operation Sindoor, Turkey reportedly supplied Pakistan with drones and weapons systems, reinforcing their defence partnership. Turkey’s own defence ambitions have expanded rapidly, as shown by its recent purchase of 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets from the United Kingdom. The deal, valued at nearly Rs 95,000 crore or about 10.7 billion dollars, makes it one of the most expensive fighter jet purchases globally. Each aircraft is estimated to cost around Rs 4,750 crore.
Defence experts believe this acquisition strengthens Turkey’s air power and potentially benefits Pakistan through joint training and technology sharing, given their close strategic partnership.
India’s Rafale and indigenous fighter programmes
India’s acquisition of the French-built Rafale fighter jets marked a major leap in its air power. In 2016, India purchased 36 Rafales for around Rs 60,000 crore, followed by another deal this year for 26 Marine Rafales for the Indian Navy worth about Rs 63,000 crore. These twin-engine fighters, equipped with precision weapons and advanced sensors, give India a qualitative edge over regional adversaries.
India is also planning to procure 114 additional Rafales while simultaneously pushing the production of the indigenous Tejas MK-1 and MK-2 fighters. Deliveries for the Tejas MK-1 have already begun, with the aircraft expected to form a significant part of the Indian Air Force’s frontline squadrons within the next few years. The AMCA project, once completed, will make India one of the few nations with its own fifth-generation stealth aircraft.
A tightening triangle against India
Pakistan’s growing military ties with both China and Turkey present a dual-front challenge for India. While Beijing provides advanced technology and funding, Ankara offers political support and niche weapons, particularly drones and electronic warfare systems. Together, they are reshaping Pakistan’s conventional military capabilities.
Analysts warn that this three-way collaboration could embolden Pakistan to pursue more aggressive postures, especially following its isolation after the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor. The concern is that Pakistan, unable to match India’s economy or defence industry, will increasingly depend on external patrons like China and Turkey for military survival.
India’s urgent need for speed
Experts caution that while India’s defence modernisation is well underway, the pace of implementation must accelerate to keep up with regional developments. Procurement delays, bureaucratic hurdles, and dependence on foreign components could slow down the process at a time when adversaries are expanding their arsenals rapidly.
The consensus among military strategists is clear: India cannot afford complacency. As China advances into next-generation warfare and Pakistan and Turkey deepen their defence cooperation, India must ensure its modernisation drive remains swift, sustained, and strategically focused.
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