India's 2026 military modernisation: Tanks, drones, submarines, AMCA power new defence era
India's Armed Forces are undergoing a major modernisation drive with upgrades across air, land and sea. From the AMCA stealth fighter to advanced tanks, drones and nuclear submarines, India is building a next-generation military ecosystem.
As India celebrates Republic Day 2026, the nation's defence story is no longer only about ceremonial parades and patriotic visuals on Kartavya Path. This year reflects a deeper transformation taking place behind the scenes. From all-new future-ready tanks rolling out of assembly lines to state-of-the-art stealth fighters entering advanced development and from high-end UAVs scanning the borders to nuclear-powered submarines patrolling the seas, India's Armed Forces are undergoing their most ambitious modernisation drive in decades. The government's focus on self-reliance, rapid indigenisation and next-generation warfare has reshaped the country's defence roadmap. Here is a detailed look at how India is upgrading its firepower across land, air, sea and cyberspace.
Main Battle Tanks: Arjun MK-1A and the futuristic light tank 'Zorawar'
India's armoured fleet is witnessing a major boost with the induction of the Arjun MK-1A main battle tank. Packed with advanced fire-control systems, explosive reactive armour, superior mobility and enhanced survivability, the MK-1A represents India's most powerful indigenous tank to date. The Army is simultaneously preparing for high-altitude armoured operations with the Zorawar light tank. Designed for rapid deployment in mountainous terrain, especially the Ladakh sector, Zorawar combines agility, high power-to-weight ratio and modern battlefield sensors for real-time engagement.
Next-Gen Artillery: Dhanush, ATAGS and K9 Vajra
The indigenous Dhanush howitzer and the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) are steadily strengthening India's long-range strike capabilities. ATAGS, with its extended range and digital fire control, is one of the most advanced 155mm guns in the world. The K9 Vajra tracked self-propelled artillery system is also becoming a backbone of desert warfare units. Recently upgraded for high-altitude deployment, it has already proved its reliability in extreme weather.
Air power revolution: AMCA, Tejas MK-1A and Rafale-M
AMCA: India's stealth fighter of the future
The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program is India's most ambitious aerospace project. The stealth multi-role fighter is designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency. It aims to deliver supercruise capability, advanced avionics, internal weapons bays and AI-enabled combat systems. Notably, AMCA will position India among the elite group of nations with fifth-generation fighter technology.
Tejas MK-1A: The indigenous backbone of the IAF
The Tejas MK-1A is set for major squadron-level induction in 2026 with improved AESA radar, mid-air refuelling and advanced electronic warfare suites. The aircraft strengthens the push for Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence aviation.
Rafale-M and carrier aviation boost
With India selecting Rafale-M for INS Vikrant's fighter operations, the Navy's air wing is entering a new era. The aircraft’s maritime strike role, precision-guided weaponry and strong carrier compatibility enhance India’s dominance in the Indian Ocean.
Drones and UAVs: Armed, surveillance and swarm capabilities
India's drone transformation is rapid and multi-layered.
Armed UAVs
The acquisition of the MQ-9B SeaGuardian and the expansion of indigenous systems like TAPAS BH-201 and Archer-NG enhance long-range surveillance and strike capability.
Combat drones & swarm systems
Swarm drones have become a key focus area with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and private players building platforms capable of autonomous decision-making and coordinated attacks on enemy positions. Induction of loitering munitions gives frontline troops the ability to strike high-value targets with precision after real-time surveillance.
Missile Arsenal: Agni-V MIRV, BrahMos upgrades and pralay
India's strategic missile program has achieved a major milestone with the development of Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) technology for the Agni-V missile. MIRV capability significantly enhances deterrence by allowing a single missile to hit multiple targets.
The BrahMos missile continues to evolve with extended range, upgraded seekers and navalised versions for destroyers and submarines. Pralay, India's tactical ballistic missile, is emerging as a game-changer for theatre-level operations with its manoeuvrability and precision strike capability.
Naval Power: Submarines, destroyers and carrier fleet strength
Submarines: Arihant class and Scorpene expansion
India's nuclear ballistic submarine, INS Arihant, forms the backbone of its underwater nuclear deterrent. More boats under the SSBN programme are progressing to ensure uninterrupted sea-based deterrence.
The Navy is also strengthening its conventional fleet with additional Kalvari-class (Scorpene) submarines equipped with advanced sonar, torpedoes and air-independent propulsion in future upgrades.
Destroyers and frigates
The Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, armed with BrahMos, Barak-8 missiles and advanced radar suites, offer one of the most powerful naval platforms in the region. The Nilgiri-class frigates will further add versatility to blue-water operations.
Aircraft carriers
India is consolidating its carrier aviation capabilities with INS Vikrant fully operational and plans moving forward for a new carrier design that aligns with future combat requirements. The Armed Forces are also heavily investing in cyberwarfare suites, satellite communication upgrades, AI-enabled battlefield management and secure quantum communication technologies. Notably, India's Defence Space Agency is now central to integrating satellite-based ISR and communication assets for tri-service operations.