Lesson learned from Pahalgam! Drones, air defense systems and new attack weapons…defense budget will increase after Operation Sindoor

New Delhi: The security challenges facing India are becoming increasingly serious. Cross-border terrorism, drone attacks and changing war technology have forced the country to rethink its security strategy. In such an environment, a need is being felt to make the Indian Army more capable and modern. The recent Operation Sindoor has made it clear that India has now moved forward on the policy of not just restraint but decisive and prompt action against terrorism. In this background, the Defense Ministry is preparing to demand an increase of about 20 percent in the defense budget for the financial year 2026-27.

India started Operation Sindoor

Indication of India’s strict strategy: The terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir in April 2025 had shocked the entire country. In this attack, Pakistan supported terrorists had killed 26 innocent people. This was not just a terrorist attack, but also a conspiracy to spread communal tension within India. In response to this, India started Operation Sindoor on 7 May 2025.

Under this military action, the Indian Army destroyed nine major terrorist bases located in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir with precise attacks. During this, modern technologies like BrahMos missile, Akash air defense system and indigenous drones were used. Pakistan retaliated with drones and missiles, but India’s multi-layer air defense system completely foiled these threats. This operation, which ended in just a few days, proved to be a strong demonstration of India’s military capability and the power of indigenous weapons.

Why was there a need to increase the defense budget?

Many important lessons have emerged from Operation Sindoor. The threat of drone war is increasing rapidly, to deal with which there is a need for better anti-drone systems. Apart from this, the need for long-range attack weapons and strong air defense network has also been felt. Additional resources have become essential for the modernization of the army and maintaining constant combat readiness.

Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh has also indicated that a major increase in the budget is necessary in view of India’s difficult neighboring environment and long-term security needs. The government hopes that the Finance Ministry will take a positive stance on this demand.

Current Defense Budget Status

India’s defense budget in the financial year 2025-26 stood at Rs 6.81 lakh crore, which is about 9.5 percent more than the previous year. This includes huge expenditure on purchase of weapons and equipment, salaries, pensions and research and development. The special thing is that a large part of the capital expenditure has been reserved to promote the indigenous defense industry.

What may change in 2026-27

If the proposed 20 percent increase is approved, the defense budget could exceed Rs 8 lakh crore. This additional amount will be used to promote drone and anti-drone systems, advanced air defense, long-range missiles, new fighter aircraft and indigenous research. Along with this, there will also be emphasis on strengthening the infrastructure in the border areas.

Why is this decision important?

India protects a large portion of the world’s population, but its share in global defense spending is limited. In such a situation, making the army modern and self-reliant is the need of the hour. Operation Sindoor proved that with the right investment, India can not only protect its citizens but is also capable of giving a decisive response to the enemies. The upcoming defense budget is being considered an important step in the direction of a strong and self-reliant India.