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Armed forces sharpen shield, strike abilities for future wars
The Indian armed forces have pursued multi-billion-dollar procurements and joint doctrines after Operation Sindoor, expanding air defense, air combat, unmanned systems, and naval capabilities. A national defence shield concept and theaterisation efforts indicate a move toward integrated, multi-domain operations with deployment planned by 2035.
Why It Matters
The timeline records India's steps toward enhanced readiness and joint operations across services, signaling a shift to multi-domain warfare and deterrence capabilities.
Timeline
9 Events
Army unmanned systems and loitering munitions expansion
May 7, 2026
The Army plans to induct tens of thousands of locally-made unmanned aerial systems and loitering munitions over the next five years, spanning 80 different types for ISR, precision strikes, air defence, jamming, mine warfare, data relay, and logistics.
National defence shield deployment target
May 7, 2026
The national defence shield under Mission Sudarshan Chakra is planned to be deployed by 2035.
Defense ministry marks first anniversary of Operation Sindoor
May 6, 2026
The defence ministry described the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor as a landmark tri-services operation.
Navy inducts INS Aridaman
April 2026
The navy inducted INS Aridaman, its third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, into service in April 2026 at Visakhapatnam.
DAC clears purchase of five additional S-400 units
March 2026
In March 2026, the Defence Acquisition Council cleared the purchase of five additional S-400 missile systems, bringing the total to 10 units for the Indian Air Force.
Defence Acquisition Council clears ₹3.6 lakh crore package including Rafale jets
February 2026
In February 2026, the Defence Acquisition Council cleared military hardware worth ₹3.6 lakh crore, including 114 Rafale jets under the MRFA programme; acceptance of necessity for the new fighters was granted.
Mission Sudarshan Chakra announced in Independence Day speech
August 15, 2025
National defence shield Mission Sudarshan Chakra was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech on August 15, 2025.
Three joint doctrines released to boost jointness
August 2025
In August 2025, India released three joint doctrines — Special Forces operations, airborne/heliborne operations, and multi-domain operations — to boost jointness and theatre command planning.
Operation Sindoor: four-day confrontation with Pakistan
May 2025
The four-day military confrontation with Pakistan occurred during Operation Sindoor in May 2025.