‘Tech delayed is tech denied’ -IAF Chief

[Party Monger]

India Allocates Record Rs 6.81 Lakh Cr For Defence In FY25-26​

According to the official figures, the largest share of the budget—45.76 per cent or Rs 3.11 lakh crore—has been allocated for revenue expenditure to meet the operational requirements of the armed forces

According to the official figures released by the Ministry of Defence, the largest share of the budget—45.76 per cent or Rs 3.11 lakh crore—has been allocated for revenue expenditure to meet the operational requirements of the armed forces. Capital outlay, which funds the acquisition of new equipment, weapons, and infrastructure development, stands at Rs 1.8 lakh crore, constituting 26.43 per cent of the total allocation.

Defence pensions account for Rs 1.6 lakh crore (23.60 per cent), ensuring financial security for retired military personnel. Meanwhile, Rs 28,682.97 crore (4.21 per cent) has been earmarked for civil organisations operating under the Ministry of Defence.

DRDO Budget Increased By 12.41 Per Cent
The government has also increased the budget allocation for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the financial year 2025-26, underscoring a renewed emphasis on indigenous military research and innovation.

According to official figures, DRDO has been allocated Rs 26,816.82 crore for FY 2025-26, marking a 12.41 per cent increase from the Rs 23,855.61 crore allotted in the previous financial year. This increase highlights India's commitment to strengthening its defence technology base and promoting self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

A major portion of this budget—Rs 14,923.82 crore—has been earmarked for capital expenditure, which will support cutting-edge research and development projects, procurement of advanced defence technologies, and the modernisation of DRDO facilities.

The enhanced allocation is expected to boost ongoing and future defence projects, including missile systems, fighter aircraft, AI-driven warfare capabilities, and next-generation military platforms. This move aligns with India's broader strategy to reduce dependence on foreign defence imports and enhance indigenous capabilities in critical defence technologies.

Source:https://www.businessworld.in/articl...-rs-681-lakh-cr-for-defence-in-fy25-26-546968

At a time when radical actions need to be taken, thanks to mudiji we arent even able to take iterative actions.
This budget is laughable. Mudi will bury us in the ground by the time people of this country or Election comission wakes up.

 

[radiantoceans]

MRFA is probably going to take time.

MRFA Tender - IDRW

 

[blr_p]

Sarkari R&D organizations like ISRO, DRDO has to fight to get projects from defense establishments because our fauji generals/admirals/marshals have their relatives running foreign OEM channel/dealer companies.

Where does this trope come from? I hear it from time to time but when I ask for more details to substantiate then I get nothing.

I notice kids of Pak generals in Ivy league colleges or plum jobs in good places but i don't hear the same about kids of Indian generals. They also seem to live modestly and don't get the kind of lavish retirement gifts the PA showers on its top officers.

The simple reason these heads of military will at times prefer imports is because they are proven (priceless) and this ties directly with morale on the battlefield. And you're completely right about the risk of failures & consequent losses in R&D which are still higher when it comes to developing military gear. So some degree of imports is necessary if you want to maintain deterrence. Especially when the time taken to actually sign off on these purchases is glacial and only ends up increasing the final asking price.

But see, this is not so sexy a rationale as what you said is it