Examine how emerging technologies like anti-UAV systems, high-altitude pseudo satellites, and unmanned naval systems are reshaping India's defence modernization strategy.

Q. Examine how emerging technologies like anti-UAV systems, high-altitude pseudo satellites, and unmanned naval systems are reshaping India's defence modernization strategy. (15 marks, 250-350 words)

The Defence Acquisition Council's Acceptance of Necessity for proposals worth about Rs 52,000 crore on 3 July 2026 — covering anti-UAV electronic warfare, a fixed-wing high altitude pseudo satellite and naval unmanned systems [1] — marks a shift from platform-heavy modernization to one built around sensors, autonomy and denial of the adversary's cheap technologies.

Countering the drone threat - Approval of AKASH TARANG, an anti-UAV electronic warfare system for Army formations, alongside V-SHORADS and a jet-based kamikaze drone system [1], signals a layered air-defence grid rather than single-tier cover. - The emphasis on soft-kill electronic warfare answers the core economics of drone warfare seen in recent conflicts, where costly interceptors were expended on cheap targets.

Persistent surveillance from the stratosphere - The FW-HAPS for the Air Force [1] offers satellite-like, near-continuous surveillance without orbital launch costs, filling the gap between short-endurance UAVs and expensive satellites. - This makes ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) a permanent capability rather than a mission-specific one, supporting faster targeting cycles.

Unmanned and autonomous maritime domain - The Naval Shipborne Unmanned Aerial System, Multi Influence Ground Mine and a land-based testing facility for electric propulsion [1] together extend maritime domain awareness and sea-denial in the Indian Ocean Region while reducing crew risk.

Reshaping procurement and industry - Procurement runs through the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 [2], whose indigenous Buy (Indian-IDDM) category has anchored large clearances such as one worth about Rs 1.05 lakh crore [3], linking new technologies to domestic production. - MoD's ongoing comprehensive review of DAP 2020 explicitly seeks alignment with artificial intelligence and autonomous systems [4]. - A caveat: AoN is only in-principle approval [1]; induction still depends on trials and contracting.

Emerging technologies are thus redefining modernization from counting platforms to building networked, indigenous and cost-efficient capability. Sustaining this requires compressing the approval-to-induction cycle and deepening DRDO–private industry co-development, so that the DAP review converts technological intent into genuine Aatmanirbharta in defence.

(~330 words)

Sources: 1. DAC approves capital acquisition proposals worth Rs 52,000 crore to enhance combat readiness of Defence Forces, PIB (3 July 2026) — AoN value, date, and the AKASH TARANG, V-SHORADS, kamikaze drone, FW-HAPS, NSUAS, MIGM and electric-propulsion testing facility approvals 2. Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, Ministry of Defence — governing procurement framework 3. DAC clears 10 capital acquisition proposals worth approx. Rs 1.05 lakh crore under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, PIB — indigenous procurement category anchoring large clearances 4. MoD Initiates Comprehensive Review of Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 to Align with National Reforms, PIB — review aligning DAP with AI and autonomous systems