India's Military Boost: New Weapons, Submarines, and Jets Set to Bolster Combat Readiness
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New Delhi: The Indian military is gearing up for a major upgrade in 2026, with a slew of cutting-edge weapons and systems set to enhance its combat readiness. The arsenal includes domestically produced fighter jets, warships, a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, and advanced transport planes, among others. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is expecting to receive at least five light combat aircraft (LCA Mk-1A) by the end of the financial year 2025-26, following a revised delivery timeline. The IAF has placed orders for a total of 180 LCA Mk-1As, with the first contract signed in 2021. Despite initial delays, the IAF remains hopeful about the LCA Mk-1A's potential to bolster its fighter fleet. The Indian Navy is set to commission its third Arihant-class submarine, Aridaman, in early 2026. This nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine will serve as an undetectable launch platform for missiles armed with nuclear warheads, cementing India's status as a nuclear triad power. The country's first indigenous SSBN, INS Arihant, successfully completed its first deterrence patrol in 2018. The IAF will also induct its first India-made C-295 transport aircraft next year, under a ₹21,935-crore contract with Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems Limited. The European aircraft maker has already delivered 16 planes, with the remaining 39 being assembled in India. The Indian Navy is also set to commission four Project 17A stealth frigates, Taragiri, Mahendragiri, Dunagiri, and Vindhyagiri, by August-September 2026. The ₹45,000-crore P-17A represents a significant upgrade over the previous warships and is part of the navy's efforts to become fully self-reliant by 2047. With around 60 warships under construction at various Indian shipyards, the country is making significant strides in its defense capabilities. The induction of these new systems and platforms is expected to bolster India's combat readiness and further solidify its position as a major military power.
