In 2025, India is set to embark on a transformative journey in its defence sector by implementing Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs). This initiative aims to unify the Army, Navy, and Air Force under a single command structure, enhancing operational efficiency and jointness among the services. The ITC framework is designed to address specific security challenges across different geographical regions. The proposed structure includes:
(a) Western Theatre Command: Responsible for the India-Pakistan border, extending from the Siachen Glacier to Gujarat, with its headquarters likely in Jaipur.
(b) Northern Theatre Command: Overseeing the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, covering areas from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh, with headquarters expected in Lucknow.
(c) Maritime Theatre Command: Charged with securing India’s extensive coastline and maritime interests, with its base proposed in Thiruvananthapuram.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has outlined a transformative vision for India’s military in 2025, declaring it the “Year of Reforms” to address the complex security challenges of the 21st century. These reforms are designed not just to bring about structural changes but to position India as a global leader in defence capabilities. He emphasised that this initiative seeks to integrate the armed forces and adopt innovative technologies, ensuring India’s readiness to face evolving threats with resilience, strength, and unity. Unlike the current structure, where the three services operate through separate commands, the ITC model will foster seamless cooperation and enhance defence readiness by optimising resources and improving strategic coordination.
Beyond restructuring, the defence reforms focus heavily on leveraging emerging technologies. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has identified artificial intelligence, hypersonic systems, and robotics as critical tools for modern warfare. This includes exploring new domains such as cyber and space warfare, reflecting the growing importance of multi-domain operations in global defence strategies. The reforms recognise the need to keep pace with technological advancements and integrate them into military operations, making India’s armed forces more agile and adaptive to future challenges.
Another cornerstone of these reforms is fostering collaboration between defence and civil industries. The government aims to strengthen public-private partnerships, encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship in the defence sector. By leveraging the capabilities of both state-owned enterprises and private firms, India seeks to boost domestic defence production and reduce dependency on imports. This approach aligns with the broader ‘Make in India’ initiative and the goal of transforming India into a global hub for advanced defence manufacturing.
The Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs) initiative aims to unify the Army, Navy, and Air Force under a single command structure. The headquarters of the Western Theatre Command, Northern Theatre Command and Maritime Theatre Command are likely to be in Jaipur, Lucknow and Thiruvananthapuram, respectively
Additionally, the reforms aim to position India as a global exporter of defence products, enhancing its standing in the international arms market. By promoting indigenous technologies and scaling up production capabilities, India seeks to contribute significantly to global defence exports. These measures will not only strengthen national security but also create economic opportunities, fostering a robust defence ecosystem.
India’s ambition to achieve self-reliance in defence, encapsulated in the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, has been reshaping its position in the global defence ecosystem. By transitioning from a major importer to a burgeoning exporter, India is at a remarkable milestone, with defence exports hitting Rs 21,083 crore in 2023-24. The nation has set an ambitious target of Rs 35,000 crore by 2025, showcasing its readiness to expand its global footprint while reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. These developments signify India’s strategic shift towards self-reliance, economic resilience, and global defence partnerships.
Budgetary Allocations and Policy Reforms
The Union Budget for 2023-24 allocated Rs 1.62 lakh crore for defence modernisation, marking a 57 per cent increase since 2019-20, along with Rs 5.94 lakh crore for the overall defence sector. Over 606 industrial licences have been issued to 369 companies to promote indigenous production, with a targeted aerospace and defence turnover of Rs 1.75 lakh crore by 2025. The government has identified key areas for domestic sourcing, listing 411 military products in two Positive Indigenisation Lists. Moreover, the establishment of defence corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu has attracted significant investments, bolstering manufacturing ecosystems and supply chains.
Export Milestones
India’s growing export portfolio reflects its technological prowess and commitment to global security. Defence exports now include helicopters, advanced light helicopters (ALH), BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, naval frigates, and anti-air systems. These products have been supplied to over 85 countries, including key partners in Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. For example, the Philippines has acquired BrahMos missiles, while nations like Armenia have procured Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers. Also, bulletproof jackets, defence electronics, and coastal surveillance systems highlight India’s diverse and advanced capabilities.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has outlined the vision for India’s military in 2025 and declared it the Year of Reforms. He emphasised that this initiative seeks to integrate the military and adopt innovative technologies, ensuring India’s readiness to face evolving threats with resilience, strength, and unity
Naval and Technological Advancements
Significant achievements in Naval assets underscore India’s technological advancements. The commissioning of INS Vikrant, the first indigenously built aircraft carrier, and the launch of INS Vindhyagiri under Project 17A exemplify India’s shipbuilding success. The Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 has streamlined procurement, emphasising indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured (IDDM) categories, ensuring that 68 per cent of the capital procurement budget is reserved for the domestic industry.
Promoting Innovation and R&D
Initiatives like Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS) have accelerated innovation and R&D. Start-ups receive support through iDEX-Prime, which provides funding up to Rs 10 crore. Additionally, the SRIJAN portal, launched in 2020, has identified 10,940 items for indigenisation, facilitating MSME participation in defence manufacturing. These efforts align with India’s aim to promote self-reliance while enhancing its export capabilities.
Focus on Niche Technologies
India’s strategic focus on niche technologies has paved the way for leadership in areas such as AI, cybersecurity, and drone technology. Collaborations like the India-US Defence Artificial Intelligence Dialogue emphasise the importance of emerging technologies in defence. The establishment of the Wargame Research and Development Centre (WARDEC) in New Delhi highlights India’s commitment to integrating AI and virtual reality into military strategies. Additionally, advancements in space defence, including successful lunar and interplanetary missions like Chandrayaan-3 and Mangalyaan, bolster India’s credentials in space technology and its potential application in defence.
Challenges to Defence Exports
Despite its progress, India faces challenges in scaling up defence exports. Bureaucratic delays, limited private sector participation, and competition from established exporters such as the USA, Russia, and Israel hinder growth. Streamlining approval processes, enhancing private sector engagement, and safeguarding intellectual property are critical steps for overcoming these hurdles. Furthermore, aligning export regulations with international standards and promoting joint ventures with global defence firms can facilitate technology transfer and market entry.
By transitioning from a major importer to a burgeoning exporter, India is at a remarkable milestone, with defence exports hitting Rs 21,083 crore in 2023-24. The nation has set a target of Rs 35,000 crore by 2025, showcasing its readiness to expand its global footprint while reducing reliance on foreign suppliers
Strategies for Expansion
India’s potential to dominate the global defence market lies in fostering public-private partnerships, investing in R&D, and developing high-quality, cost-competitive products. The defence sector’s transformation, backed by a skilled workforce and robust manufacturing ecosystem, positions India as a reliable supplier. The success of programmes like the Defence Industrial Corridors, which have attracted over 30 companies in Tamil Nadu alone, demonstrates the efficacy of government initiatives.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, India’s defence strategy must focus on enhancing supply chain resilience, ensuring timely delivery, and maintaining stringent quality standards. Expanding defence attaché roles in key embassies, participating in high-profile military exercises, and branding Indian defence products can further amplify global outreach. The defence reforms of 2025 mark a bold step toward modernising India’s military and aligning it with the demands of contemporary warfare. By integrating services, adopting cutting-edge technologies, and fostering industry collaboration, the initiative underscores India’s commitment to becoming a self-reliant and globally influential defence power. These efforts will ensure national security and bolster India’s strategic position on the world stage.
The writer is Special Advisor for South Asia at Parley Policy Initiative, Republic of Korea. He is a regular commentator on the issues of Water Security and Transboundary River issues in South Asia. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
