India’s Sky Shield: IAF’s Indigenous Power Push Marks a New Era in Air Dominance
INDIAN DEFENCE
In a defining moment for India’s defence preparedness, the Indian Air Force has entered a new phase of modernization powered by homegrown technology and strategic foresight. Recent months have seen an impressive alignment between India’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” vision and the Air Force’s operational capabilities, signalling a shift from dependence to dominance.
What stands out is the coordinated vision between policymakers, engineers, and the armed forces — working together not just to buy technology, but to build and own it. This new ecosystem is redefining how India looks at security — from reactive defence to proactive readiness.
Experts believe this indigenous shift will not only enhance strategic autonomy but also stimulate India’s defence exports, creating a ripple effect across global markets. For the first time, India isn’t just guarding its skies — it’s shaping the future of them.
The Indian Air Force has started inducting more LCA Tejas MK-1A fighter jets, boosting its aerial fleet with a truly indigenous aircraft designed for precision, agility, and adaptability. Built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Tejas program represents India’s growing confidence in producing advanced combat systems domestically — a step that was once considered years away.
Alongside this, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has intensified testing of its “Sky Shield” integrated air defence system, an advanced radar-missile network built to neutralize enemy threats before they breach Indian airspace. With these developments, India is gradually building a multi-layered defence architecture comparable to global powers.