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India’s armed forces are set for a major transformation under the Defense Force Vision 2047. It is a 47-page roadmap that was released by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on March 10, 2026. The document aims to create a modern, integrated and technology-based military by India’s centenary of independence, fully capable of multi-domain warfare — including land, sea, air, space, cyber and cognitive domains.

Key proposals include creating a dedicated space and cyber command, forming a drone force, a data force, a defense geospatial agency, and a cognitive warfare task force. The plan is divided into three phases: transition (by 2030), consolidation (2030–40), and excellence (2040–47). There is special emphasis on mutual synergy, self-reliance under ‘Make in India’, and integration of Artificial Intelligence, drones and advanced technologies.

One of its major highlights is the emphasis on building a large-scale drone force. The Indian Army plans to equip each of its corps with 8,000–10,000 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) of different types — which will include nano, micro, medium-sized drones and loitering munitions (attack drones). These will be used for surveillance, attack and swarm operations. Training centers are being set up at major institutions to train soldiers in drone operations; These include the Indian Military Academy (Dehradun) and the Officers Training Academy (Chennai and Gaya).

The Indian Air Force is working on a ₹39,000 crore project for indigenous stealth combat drones (earlier known as ‘Project Ghatak’, and now called ‘Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft’). Under this, six prototypes will be developed at an estimated cost of ₹10,000 crore, after which more than 60 units will be produced to carry out precision strikes and deep penetration missions.

A full-fledged Space Command will manage satellite-based intelligence, surveillance and communications, while the Cyber ​​Command will focus on defensive and offensive operations in the digital domain. There are also plans to create additional units for data warfare (AI-based analysis) and cognitive warfare (psychological and information- operations) to assist in the decision-making process and perception management. ### Mission Sudarshan Chakra

Air defense will be strengthened through Mission Sudarshan Chakra, an ambitious multi-layered security system announced earlier by Prime Minister Modi. Its objective is to protect cities, military bases and critical infrastructure from ballistic missiles, drones, cruise missiles and swarm attacks. Expansion of ballistic missile defense and integration of artificial intelligence, sensors and anti-drone systems are the main goals of this mission, with initial capabilities targeted to be achieved by 2030.

Experts believe that successful implementation will require sustained funding, accelerated timelines for indigenous development, deeper integration of the three services and greater participation of the private sector. Although the vision reflects India’s ambition to become a technologically superior military power by 2047, many of its elements are still in the planning or early development stage.

The roadmap outlines a shift from conventional operations to multi-domain operations, where drones, space resources, cyber tools and data analytics will play a decisive role in future conflicts.