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India has launched a major initiative to replenish its military arsenal with a new generation of advanced weaponry, following a recent successful military engagement against Pakistan.
The Indian Ministry of Defence has given the green light for the large-scale procurement of long-range loitering munitions, advanced artillery shells, and sophisticated beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missiles, according to official reports.
This strategic procurement drive is a direct result of the demonstrated effectiveness of these weapon systems during the recent 'Operation Sindoor'. In that operation, Indian forces successfully targeted key Pakistani military installations using precision-strike capabilities.
The success of these modern weapons in the conflict has prompted military leadership to ensure their stocks are bolstered for future contingencies.
A central element of the operation was the use of loitering munitions, often described as 'kamikaze' or 'suicide' drones. These advanced systems represent a hybrid of a drone and a missile, offering unique flexibility on the battlefield.
They can be launched without a specific target and can circle over enemy territory for extended periods—in some cases for several hours—using their onboard sensors to search for and identify high-value assets.
Once a target is confirmed, the munition dives and destroys it. This capability for real-time intelligence gathering and precision strikes proved crucial in the operation.
During Operation Sindoor, these unmanned systems reportedly penetrated Pakistani airspace and neutralized critical components of its air defence shield, including a Chinese-supplied HQ-9 long-range surface-to-air missile system and several radars belonging to the Pakistan Air Force.
The HQ-9 is considered one of China's most advanced air defence systems, often compared to the Russian S-300. Its destruction, along with the medium-range HQ-16 system, exposed significant vulnerabilities in Pakistan's layered, Chinese-built air defence network.
To maintain this tactical edge, the Ministry of Defence has now reportedly authorized the acquisition of more advanced and longer-range versions of these munitions.
According to posts on the social media platform X dated June 8, 2025, the new procurement plan also focuses on securing beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles designed to outperform systems used by Pakistan, such as the Chinese-made PL-15.
This will enhance the Indian Air Force's ability to engage hostile aircraft from a greater stand-off distance, reducing risk to its own pilots and aircraft.
This large-scale replenishment underscores a significant evolution in India's military doctrine, with an increasing emphasis on unmanned systems and precision-strike warfare.
By investing heavily in these technologies, India aims to enhance its ability to conduct decisive military operations from a distance, minimizing direct conflict and human casualties.
This move aligns with the nation's broader push for defence modernization and self-reliance, aiming to build a formidable, technologically advanced military prepared for the complexities of modern warfare in the region.
