India Allocates Rs 52,000 Crore to Boost Short-Range Battlefield Capabilities

India is redirecting a significant portion of its defence budget toward weapons designed for the opening phase of modern conflict. Recent procurement approvals focus on anti-drone systems, short-range air defence, and kamikaze drones rather than large conventional platforms. The strategic shift draws on lessons learned from Operation Sindoor and is partly driven by the need to prepare for a potential two-front conflict scenario. The move reflects a broader transition toward network-centric warfare, prioritising tactical agility and battlefield survivability in the first 100 kilometres of engagement.