The Ministry of Defence recently released the Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap 2025 (TPCR-2025), which defines the comprehensive vision for India’s military modernisation and technological transformation. Covering more than 300 technology and capability areas across the Army, Navy, and Air Force, the document reflects India’s growing shift from an import-dependent defence ecosystem to one that is innovation-driven and self-reliant.
The TPCR-2025 builds upon its earlier editions released in 2013 and 2018, but marks a decisive evolution in approach, unlike the previous versions, which primarily listed desired technologies. The latest roadmap integrates strategic frameworks such as the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 and the forthcoming Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2025. These reforms are aimed at simplifying acquisition, accelerating indigenisation, and strengthening domestic design and manufacturing capabilities. The approach aligns closely with initiatives like Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), the Make I–III schemes, the Technology Development Fund (TDF), and the Srijan indigenisation portal, all of which together form the backbone of India’s self-reliance push in defence.
So far, 151 projects are in progress across the services, 12 by the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS), 45 by the Indian Army, 41 by the Navy, and 53 by the Air Force. Of these, 63 have received Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) and four have moved into the contracting stage. The government has also increased its focus on operational readiness and sustenance, raising the allocation for these heads to Rs 92,088 crore in FY 2024-25, marking a substantial 48 per cent increase from FY 2022-23.
The Make categories outlined in TPCR-2025 are designed to energise industry participation at different scales. Under Make-I, government funding of up to 70 per cent, or Rs 250 crore per project, is available for major platform development. Make-II encourages industry-funded prototypes, while Make-III promotes Indian manufacturing of previously imported systems. Together, these policies are enabling private sector firms and startups to collaborate directly with the Armed Forces.
The iDEX initiative, launched in 2018, has become the MoD’s most dynamic innovation channel. It has published over 416 problem statements, of which 331 have come directly from the Armed Forces, 20 from HQ IDS, 74 from the Army, 167 from the Navy, 64 from the Air Force, and six from the Coast Guard. Grants worth Rs 162 crore have already been disbursed to startups and innovators, and procurement contracts have been finalised for 19 items. Combined with the Srijan portal, which lists thousands of components for domestic manufacture, these initiatives are bridging the gap between innovation, production, and procurement.
For the Indian army, TPCR-2025 identifies a broad spectrum of technologies that aim to transform it into a network-centric, digitally empowered force. One of the key projects is the Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV), intended to replace the ageing T-72 fleet. Envisioned as a fully digitised, AI-enabled tank platform, the FRCV will integrate human-machine teaming, loitering munitions, and 360-degree situational awareness. About 1,700 to 1,800 of these tanks are projected over a 40-year life cycle. Other major programmes include the installation of Active Protection Systems (APS) on 800–850 T-90 tanks for all-around defence and the upgradation of armour protection on 3,000–3,500 vehicles.
Future-ready Forces Take Shape
The army’s roadmap also places a strong emphasis on unmanned and autonomous systems, such as AI-based mine-laying unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), CBRN reconnaissance robots, and drone-based mine delivery systems. Efforts are underway to equip over 12,000 soldiers with augmented-reality helmets capable of displaying tactical information in real time, thereby enhancing situational awareness and battlefield coordination.
The Indian Navy’s segment of the TPCR highlights its ambitions to achieve blue-water capability through indigenisation. The roadmap lists over 130 maritime projects, spanning shipbuilding, underwater systems, and electronic warfare. These include a new aircraft carrier with a 40-year service life, fitted with Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch Systems (EMALS) for catapult-assisted take-off. The Navy is also focusing on developing Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighters (TEDBF), Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopters (DBMRH), and a range of autonomous underwater systems. Lightweight autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and man-portable versions are being designed for mine countermeasures, surveillance, and deception operations. The Navy’s plans also include underwater expendables such as sonobuoys and autonomous decoy systems that can extend India’s maritime domain awareness and enhance undersea deterrence.
For the Indian Air Force, TPCR-2025 marks a paradigm shift from platform-based warfare to data-centric and AI-driven operations. The IAF’s priorities include developing a secure, indigenous Strategic Communication Network that integrates air defence, logistics, and weapons management systems under a single encrypted grid. Cyber resilience is being strengthened through Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) architecture, designed to replace traditional VPNs and secure hybrid cloud networks.
The Air Force is investing in AI and machine learning technologies for predictive maintenance, mission planning, and real-time vulnerability detection. Stealth Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs), capable of supersonic flight and carrying payloads up to 4,000 kg, are being planned both for independent missions and for manned–unmanned teaming roles. Approximately 40–50 of these systems are projected for the IAF and 90–100 for the Army. The TPCR also outlines plans for supersonic aerial targets, operating at speeds of Mach 1.5 and above, and stratospheric airships capable of intelligence and communication relay missions at altitudes up to 35 km.
Across the three services, the document also highlights joint technology projects that will shape the future of India’s integrated warfighting strategy. These include Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft, loitering munitions, directed-energy weapons, and short-range air defence systems. AI- and ML-based automation systems are being developed for training, data fusion, and performance monitoring, using tools such as RFID tracking and facial recognition. The roadmap also identifies critical cybersecurity needs, including security information and event management (SIEM) systems and automated penetration testing frameworks to fortify India’s defence networks.
Growing Tech And technology Industry Collaboration
Supporting these ambitious plans is a growing ecosystem for technology absorption and industry collaboration. The Srijan Portal now serves as the central repository for defence indigenisation, listing thousands of components that can be domestically produced. The Triveni Tech Bulletin, released twice a year by HQ IDS, helps align private sector R&D efforts with the Services’ future technology needs. Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have become vital contributors, benefiting from digital visibility of tenders and simplified procurement processes under DAP 2020.
Despite this progress, several challenges persist. Of the 151 Make projects initiated, only four have reached the contracting stage, highlighting the need for faster decision-making and better coordination between the services and the industry. Funding for startups, though increasing, remains modest compared to the expanding pipeline of innovation challenges. Many advanced technologies, such as EMALS, UCAV stealth composites, and quantum radar, will require sustained R&D funding and global collaboration to mature. Moreover, achieving seamless tri-service integration across cyber, space, and kinetic domains will demand extensive digital infrastructure investment and a cohesive policy framework.
Nevertheless, TPCR-2025 demonstrates a fundamental shift in India’s defence planning philosophy. The focus has moved from acquisition to innovation, from import substitution to design leadership. It reflects a clear understanding that future warfare will be driven as much by algorithms and automation as by artillery and aircraft. The roadmap’s strong emphasis on co-development, private-sector participation, and open innovation through initiatives like iDEX represents an evolving mindset within the Ministry of Defence, one that values agility, entrepreneurship, and indigenous ingenuity as national assets.
The Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap 2025 is thus more than a policy document; it is a strategic declaration of India’s intent to lead in defence technology. It identifies where the Armed Forces need to be by 2035 and provides the domestic industry with the technological cues to get there. From advanced tanks and stealth drones to additive manufacturing and AI-driven cyber systems, the roadmap envisions a self-sustaining, export-oriented, and innovation-led defence industrial base. As Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently stated, India is aiming for Rs 3 lakh crore in defence production and Rs 50,000 crore in exports by 2029. TPCR-2025 provides the foundation for achieving that goal, transforming India from a defence buyer to a builder, and ultimately, to a global provider of advanced military capability. |
