Agnipath scheme and modern/indigenous defence technologies & platforms (drones, missiles, naval/air systems, Mission Shakti/Divyastra)

What happened: Agnipath and a defence-modernisation snapshot (PIB backgrounder)

The PIB backgrounder presents two linked thrusts. First, the Agnipath Scheme recruits young men and women into the Armed Forces as Agniveers for a four-year service period, with military training and specialised skill development, plus educational and career pathways after service. Second, the backgrounder outlines a set of modern platforms and emerging defence technologies—spanning land, air, sea, and space-related capabilities—aimed at improving operational readiness and deterrence.

Background and earlier position: Kargil-era reforms and the shift toward technology-enabled warfare

The backgrounder connects the need for reforms to lessons from the Kargil War and argues that warfare’s character has changed since then. Modern conflicts are described as requiring advanced technology, superior firepower, and rapid decision-making across multiple domains (land, air, sea, space, and emerging domains).

What changed now: newer platforms and higher-end technologies under a “future-ready” approach

The backgrounder lists recently inducted platforms and major technology milestones. In platforms, it highlights: Arjun Mk IA battle tank induction in February 2021; commissioning of India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant on 2 September 2022; and planned operation of Rafale fighter aircraft variants by 2030. In naval and maritime capability, it covers Project 17A stealth frigates, hydrographic mapping via Sandhayak class survey vessels, and coastal anti-submarine warfare using Arnala class craft. In emerging technologies and strategic capabilities, it highlights Mission Shakti (anti-satellite), Mission Divyastra (long-range missile carrying multiple warheads against different targets), integration of drone warfare into military doctrine, and AI-based defence technologies. It also lists ongoing or recent tests for air defence systems, hypersonic-related propulsion testing, and long-range missile and rocket trials.