India’s defence budget is set to receive a major shot in the arm, with an additional ₹50,000 crore likely to be allocated through a supplementary budget, according to top government sources. This proposal is expected to be taken up during the Winter Session of Parliament and aims to ramp up investments in cutting-edge weapons, ammunition, and indigenous defence technologies in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor.
The supplementary allocation is intended to meet critical needs of the armed forces, including essential procurements, operational preparedness, and research & development. The focus is on strengthening India’s military capabilities and ensuring readiness for future strategic challenges.
Earlier this year, the Union Budget had already set aside a record ₹6.81 lakh crore for defence—a 9.53% hike compared to the previous financial year. Over the past decade, under the NDA government, the defence budget has nearly tripled. In 2014-15, it stood at ₹2.29 lakh crore. The current allocation now constitutes 13.45% of the total Union Budget.
Operation Sindoor, which showcased India’s precision strike capabilities, involved the neutralisation of nine terror camps inside Pakistan without physically crossing the border. The operation was a demonstration of India’s sophisticated air defence shield, which included both imported and indigenous systems. India’s multi-layered air defence network successfully intercepted and destroyed almost every incoming missile and drone during the operation.
The country deployed a combination of high-tech systems including the Russian S-400 ‘Triumf’, the Barak-8 medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, and the indigenous Akash missile system. Legacy systems such as Pechora, OSA-AK, and low-level air defence (LLAD) guns also played crucial roles in safeguarding Indian airspace.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the nation on May 12, hailed the success of Operation Sindoor. He highlighted the global recognition of India’s defence manufacturing prowess, stating, “During this operation, the credibility of our Made-in-India weapons was firmly established. The world now recognises that the time for Made-in-India defence equipment in 21st-century warfare has arrived.”
