Rupal Kalebere
In an era of evolving security challenges, India has been steadily strengthening its Defence capabilities with a firm commitment towards Atmanirbharta – self-reliance. February 2025 witnessed a series of crucial acquisitions, ranging from advanced missile system trials and strategic procurements to naval infrastructure expansion and cutting-edge Defence research initiatives. These milestones are not just routine updates; they signify a paradigm shift in India’s approach to Defence preparedness, reflecting a growing emphasis on indigenization, technological innovation, and force modernization.
As India continues to navigate an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, these advancements underscore the nation’s resolve to develop a robust military-industrial ecosystem, enhance joint warfighting capabilities, and reduce dependence on foreign imports. The month’s key developments provide critical insights into India’s strategic trajectory and the role of Defence modernization in shaping national security.
Indigenization in Naval Expansion: Powering Maritime Dominance
Naval power is integral to India’s strategic posture in the Indo-Pacific region, and February brought significant milestones in the Navy’s modernization drive. Project Seabird at Karwar Naval Base, one of India’s most ambitious naval infrastructure programs, saw further expansion. The inauguration of 240 new residential units for sailors and a Main Distribution Sub Station (MDSS) on February 4, 2025, underscores the focus on logistical preparedness and operational sustainability.
The launch of new naval support vessels, such as the 9th Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile (ACTCM) Barge (LSAM 23) and the 8th MCA Barge (LSAM 11), reinforces the Navy’s ability to sustain ammunition and logistical operations in the high seas. The induction of the 3rd 25T Bollard Pull Tug ‘Ashva’ at Visakhapatnam further enhances port maneuverability and operational readiness. These developments align with India’s strategic vision for a blue-water navy, capable of projecting power far beyond its shores while ensuring rapid response to emerging threats.
Earlier on 15 January 2025, three frontline combatants – Nilgiri, the lead ship of the Project 17A stealth frigate class; Surat, the fourth and final ship of the Project 15B stealth destroyer class; and Vaghsheer, the sixth and final submarine of the Scorpene-class project – were commissioned at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai in a glittering ceremony marked by the presence of Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India and Shri Rajnath Singh Hon’ble Defence Minister of India.
VSHORADS Missile Trials: Reinforcing India’s Air Defence Capabilities
The increasing threat of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and precision-guided munitions necessitates a robust, multi-layered air Defence system. In this context, the successful flight trials of the Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) in February mark a critical leap forward. Designed to neutralize low-flying aerial threats, particularly drones, the system represents a strategic deterrent against asymmetric warfare tactics.
The indigenous development of VSHORADS, spearheaded by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI), is a testament to India’s growing Defence manufacturing capabilities. The pinpoint accuracy demonstrated during trials highlights the effectiveness of this man-portable air Defence system (MANPADS), which will be deployed across the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. This advancement not only enhances India’s tactical battlefield air Defence but also reduces reliance on foreign systems such as the Igla-S from Russia.
Precision Firepower: The PINAKA MLRS and Artillery Modernization
Modern conflicts demand long-range, high-precision strike capabilities. The ₹10,147 crore contract signed for PINAKA Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) ammunition on February 6, 2025, is a game-changer in artillery modernization. With contracts awarded to Economic Explosive Limited (EEL) and Munitions India Limited (MIL), the procurement includes:
- Area Denial Munition (ADM) Type-1 (DPICM), designed to target mechanized enemy formations and deny terrain access.
- High Explosive Pre-Fragmented (HEPF) Mk-1 (Enhanced) Rockets, offering an extended strike range and enhanced lethality.
These advanced munitions will bolster India’s offensive capabilities, providing a significant firepower advantage in border engagements. The contract not only strengthens the Indian Army’s strike capabilities but also reflects a strategic shift towards self-reliance in artillery systems, reinforcing the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
Technological Innovation: The Role of DRDO and Academia
In an effort to stay ahead in next-generation warfare technologies, India has significantly restructured its Defence research and development (R&D) priorities. On February 7, 2025, DRDO’s Directorate of Futuristic Technology Management (DFTM) announced the expansion of research focus areas, increasing from 65 to 82 verticals across 15 Industry-Academia Centres of Excellence (DIA-CoEs).
Some of the newly prioritized research domains include:
- Compound Semiconductor Technologies (IIT Bombay)
- Laser Beam Combining for Communication and Power Transmission (IIT Hyderabad)
- Emerging RF Technologies (IIT Roorkee)
- Cryptography & Information Security (IIT Kharagpur)
This strategic realignment aims to bridge the gap between fundamental research and Defence applications, ensuring that India remains at the forefront of cutting-edge military technology. Encouraging multi-institutional collaboration will not only boost indigenous Defence production but also strengthen India’s deterrence capabilitiesin the face of evolving threats.
Strategic Procurement: Strengthening Multi-Domain Operations
February saw several high-value Defence procurements aimed at enhancing communication, surveillance, logistics, and force mobility:
- 149 Software Defined Radios (₹1,220.12 crore) for the Indian Coast Guard (20 February 2025)
- Enhances secure, real-time information sharing and interoperability with the Navy.
- 1,868 Rough Terrain Fork Lift Trucks (₹697.35 crore) (20 February 2025)
- Strengthens logistics efficiency for the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- 223 Automatic Chemical Agent Detection & Alarm (ACADA) Systems (₹80.43 crore) (25 February 2025)
- Enhances Indian Army’s defensive capability against chemical and industrial toxic threats.
These procurements underscore India’s commitment to modernizing its armed forces, integrating smart technologies into military operations while fostering domestic manufacturing.
India’s Defence modernization drive in February 2025 highlights a decisive shift towards self-reliance, strategic capability-building, and technological superiority. Whether it is strengthening naval power through infrastructure expansion, fortifying air Defence with VSHORADS, enhancing artillery firepower with PINAKA MLRS, or fostering innovation through Defence R&D, these developments collectively reinforce India’s ability to deter adversaries and maintain strategic stability.
However, while procurement and R&D efforts are on the rise, sustained focus on Defence production efficiency, supply chain resilience, and global Defence partnerships will be crucial in achieving long-term military self-sufficiency.
As India charts its course toward becoming a global Defence manufacturing hub, the focus must remain on rapid capability induction, joint warfighting readiness, and strategic deterrence. February 2025 has laid a strong foundation, but the true test of India’s Defence aspirations lies in its ability to maintain momentum and adaptability in an increasingly volatile security environment.