India’s Defense Procurement (2020–2024) – Comprehensive Summary

Small Arms and Light Weapons

The period 2020–2024 saw India modernizing its infantry firearms with both imports and indigenous production:

• Assault Rifles: To replace ageing INSAS rifles, the Army fast-tracked purchase of SIG Sauer 716 7.62×51mm rifles from the U.S. – 72,400 rifles were bought in 2019 followed by 72,000 more in 2020, totaling ~144,400 imported rifles. Concurrently, India inked a ₹5,000 crore deal with Russia in 2021 to locally manufacture ~670,000 AK-203 assault rifles (7.62×39mm) at a new joint venture in Amethi. The first 70,000 AK-203s were delivered from Russia in 2022, and the remaining ~600,000 will be produced domestically under technology transfer. This joint Indo-Russian program (Indo-Russia Rifles Pvt. Ltd.) makes the AK-203 the primary future standard rifle (imported kits initially, then Made in India). The carbine procurement for close-quarter battle was also revisited – an earlier tender to import 93,895 CAR 816 carbines from UAE’s Caracal was cancelled in 2020 in favor of an indigenous solution. A fresh carbine program under Make in India is being pursued to equip troops with locally produced 5.56mm carbines.
• Light Machine Guns (LMGs): In March 2020, the Ministry of Defence signed a ₹880 crore contract with Israel’s IWI for 16,479 Negev NG7 7.62×51mm LMGs. These belt-fed LMGs (imported from Israel) have since begun equipping infantry units, replacing the older 5.56mm INSAS LMG. Delivery of all Negev LMGs was expected within 2021–22, meeting an urgent requirement for higher-caliber squad automatics.
• Others: The Army also received new sniper rifles and sidearms through smaller deals. For instance, in 2019 it procured Spike anti-materiel rifles (Barrett and Igla) and is locally upgrading its Dragunov sniper rifles (though exact numbers were not publicly disclosed). Additionally, India’s special forces inducted new Beretta .338 Lapua Magnum sniper rifles and Sig Sauer P716i rifles around 2021 via fast-track procurements (smaller contracts, mostly imports).

Table: Key Small Arms Procurements (2020–2024)

Weapon	Quantity	Supplier / Origin	Deal and Notes (Import or Domestic)
SIG 716i Assault Rifle (7.62mm)	~144,400 total	SIG Sauer (USA)	Fast-Track import for Army: 72,400 rifles in 2019 + 72,000 in 2020 (Imported)
AK-203 Assault Rifle (7.62mm)	~670,000	Kalashnikov (Russia) & OFB (India)	Inter-govt. deal 2021 (~₹5,000 cr): 70k imported, remaining ~600k to be license-built in India (Imported + Domestic)
Negev NG7 LMG (7.62mm)	16,479	IWI (Israel)	Contract 2020 (~₹880 cr) for infantry LMGs (Imported)
Carbines (CQB)	0 (93,895 canceled)	N/A (Caracal UAE bid)	2018 tender scrapped in 2020; new indigenous carbine program under way (Domestic planned)
Sniper Rifles	~^* (several hundred)	Barrett (USA), Sako (Finland)	.338 Lapua Magnums and multi-caliber sniper rifles via small 2020–22 imports (Fast Track procurement for special forces)

^(Note: Precise figures for sniper rifle purchases were not publicly disclosed; estimates based on media reports.)

Armored Vehicles (Tanks and Carriers)

India has bolstered its armored corps with a mix of Russian-designed tanks built under license and new indigenous armor programs:

A T-90 Bhishma main battle tank of the Indian Army during a live-fire exercise. India is acquiring 464 upgraded T-90MS tanks under license from Russia, while also inducting indigenous Arjun tanks.

• Main Battle Tanks: In November 2019, the Army signed a major contract to add 464 T-90MS “Bhishma” tanks (the latest variant of Russia’s T-90) to its fleet. These are being license-produced domestically by the Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) in Avadi. The first batch of 10 new T-90MS tanks (locally called T-90 Mk-III) was delivered in 2024, with the remaining 454 tanks to be delivered in phases by 2028. The deal, worth around $2.8–3.1 billion, included a Russian technology transfer and made India’s state-owned Armoured Vehicles Nigam Ltd the production agency. These 464 tanks (imported as kits, assembled in India) supplement ~1,100 T-90S already in service. In parallel, India ordered 118 Arjun Mk-1A indigenous tanks for ₹7,523 crore in 2021. Developed by DRDO and built by HVF, the Arjun Mk-1A has 72 upgrades over the Mk1; this order (entirely domestic) will equip two regiments with deliveries into the mid-2020s. The first Arjun Mk-1A rolled out in 2022 after the Prime Minister formally handed over the tank to the Army. Together, the licensed T-90MS and indigenous Arjun Mk-1A programs significantly expand India’s armored punch (the former leveraging foreign design, the latter showcasing local R&D).
• Infantry Combat Vehicles (ICVs) and APCs: The Army is modernizing its Soviet-era BMP-2 fleet. In June 2020, the MoD ordered 156 BMP-2 “Sarath” ICVs (tracked armored vehicles) for ₹1,094 crore. These are being produced by the Ordnance Factory at Medak (OFB, now AVNL) – a continuation of license-building the BMP-2 in India. The new BMP-2s (armed with 30mm cannons and ATGMs) are made domestically and slated for high-altitude deployments (e.g. some sent to Ladakh during the 2020 border standoff). Additionally, an upgrade program for 811 BMP-2/2K vehicles was initiated to improve their sensors, night-fighting and firepower. This involves installing more powerful engines and modern thermal sights through Indian firms (AVNL, BEL) by 2023–24, extending the BMP-2’s service life.
• Mine-Resistant Vehicles: To protect troops in insurgency-prone areas and along border road axes, India inducted new MRAPs. In 2021, the Army ordered ~200 Kalyani M4 armored vehicles (4×4 mine-resistant ambush protected) from Bharat Forge (India) in partnership with Paramount Group (South Africa). An initial ₹177.8 crore order for an undisclosed number (around 27 vehicles) was placed under emergency procurement in February 2021. These Kalyani M4s were quickly delivered – 16 were in service by late 2022 (including deployment on U.N. peacekeeping missions). The M4, based on Paramount’s Mbombe design but built in Pune, India, can carry 8–10 soldiers with STANAG level-3 protection. The Army’s Northern Command inducted the M4 for high-altitude use (e.g. Ladakh) in 2022, and further orders are planned, with production ramping up to 100 vehicles per year. This procurement is domestic (license-manufacture in India) and reflects a shift to local sourcing of armored troop carriers.
• Other Armor: The Army also improved its T-72M1 fleet by upgrading engines and sights (Project Rhino) and up-armoring its older T-72 and T-90 tanks with active protection (e.g. trials of the Israeli Trophy APS) – though these are upgrades, not new purchases. Under emergency procurement in 2020, it obtained 88 new BMP-2 based tank simulators and Armored Engineering Reconnaissance Vehicles for combat engineers (built by OFB). For mobility in mountains, 2020 saw import of ~20 All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) from Polaris (U.S.) for special forces and induction of indigenous 4×4 light armored vehicles like the Tata Kestrel (WhAP) prototype for evaluation.

Table: Major Armored Vehicle Procurements (2020–24)

Armored System	Quantity	Supplier / Origin	Contract & Notes
T-90MS Bhishma MBT (3rd-gen)	464	Russia (UralVagonZavod) – built by HVF Avadi (India)	$2.8–3.1B license-production deal (2019). First 10 delivered 2024; remaining by 2028 (Imported kits, assembled in India).
Arjun Mk-1A MBT (indigenous)	118	India (DRDO & HVF)	₹7,523 cr order (2021) for improved Arjun with 72 upgrades. Domestic production; deliveries ongoing through mid-2020s.
BMP-2 “Sarath” ICV (tracked)	156	Russia design – built by OFB Medak (India)	₹1,094 cr order (2020) for new BMP-2 vehicles. Fully manufactured in India under license.
Kalyani M4 MRAP (4×4 armored)	~200 (16+ delivered)	India/South Africa (Bharat Forge/Paramount)	₹177.8 cr initial order (2021); 16 delivered by 2022. Built in India (Paramount Mbombe variant).
BMP-2 Upgrade (Night & weapons)	811 (upgrade program)	India (AVNL/BEL)	Upgrade approved 2021–22: new engines, thermal sights, ATGM integration for BMP-2 fleet (Indigenous upgrade).

Artillery and Rocket Systems

After a decades-long lull, India’s artillery modernization made significant strides between 2020 and 2024, encompassing towed guns, self-propelled guns, and rocket launchers:

• Towed Howitzers: The last of the 145 M777 ultra-light howitzers (155mm/39-caliber) ordered from the U.S. were delivered by mid-2021. This $750 million Foreign Military Sales deal (inked 2016) equipped 7 regiments with the BAE Systems M777A2, which weigh only 4 tons and can be airlifted to high-altitude areas. Under the contract, 25 guns came off-the-shelf and 120 were assembled in India by Mahindra Defense under license. All 145 are now in service (imported kits with local assembly)​en.wikipedia.org, giving the Army long-awaited ultra-light howitzers for mountainous terrain (e.g. they were deployed along the China border in 2020). On the indigenous front, the OFB-developed 155mm/45-cal Dhanush towed howitzer (an improved Bofors design) entered service. The Army ordered 114 Dhanush guns, and after protracted trials, the first Dhanush regiment (18 guns) was inducted by 2020. However, production delays (exacerbated by quality issues and COVID-19) meant only about a dozen Dhanush had been delivered by 2021. By 2024, Dhanush deliveries resumed under a new production agency (Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Ltd, post-OFB corporatization) with an aim to complete all 114 by 2026. Thus, India’s towed artillery now includes a mix of imported M777s and indigenous Dhanush guns (the latter Made in India for conventional regiments).
• Self-Propelled Artillery: The Army’s fleet of mobile 155mm guns expanded via the K9 Vajra-T program. Larsen & Toubro (L&T) completed delivery of 100 K9 Vajra-T 155mm/52-caliber tracked self-propelled howitzers by February 2021 – ahead of schedule. This ₹4,500 crore contract (awarded 2017) involved L&T building the Korean-designed K9 Thunder under license (with Hanwha Defense) in India. The first 10 SP guns were imported in semi-knocked-down form, and the remaining 90 were indigenously manufactured with 50% local content. The K9 Vajra, with a 30+ km range and auto-loading, has proven effective; originally intended for the plains, the Army even deployed some in Ladakh (at high altitude) during 2020 border tensions. On 21 Dec 2024, the MoD inked a fresh ₹7,628 crore contract for 100 additional K9 Vajra guns. These new units (five regiments) will also be built by L&T in Gujarat, extending the license production line. This follow-on order (100% Buy Indian) will bring the total K9 SPH inventory to 200 by late 2020s, further augmenting mechanized firepower. Together, the imported–assembled M777 and the domestically-produced K9 Vajra address two critical artillery needs (lightweight towed and heavy self-propelled, respectively).
• Rocket Artillery: Indigenous multi-barrel rocket launchers were inducted at scale. In August 2020, the MoD signed a ₹2,580 crore deal for 6 Pinaka Mark I rocket regiments. This includes 114 Pinaka launchers and 45 command posts to be supplied by Tata Power and L&T, and 330 auxiliary vehicles from BEML. Each Pinaka regiment has 18 launchers (each launcher fires 12 rockets of 214mm caliber). Deliveries of all six regiments were to be completed by 2024, with deployment along India’s northern and eastern frontiers. These Pinaka systems – 100% Indian-designed and built – fire unguided rockets to ~40 km. The private sector produced these under DRDO supervision, marking a milestone in local manufacturing. Following this, an improved Pinaka Mk-II with extended 75 km range and guided capability was developed; in Feb 2024, the CCS approved a further ₹10,000+ crore for additional Pinaka batteries and guided munitions. The Pinaka induction (domestic) reduces reliance on imported rockets (like the Russian BM-30 Smerch) and has significantly boosted the Army’s volume fire capability.
• Artillery Fire Control and Others: The Army procured Swathi weapon-locating radars (WLRs) – an indigenous radar by BEL to track incoming shells – with 30+ units inducted by 2021 for counter-battery fire (domestic). It also upgraded vintage 130mm M-46 guns to 155mm (the Sharang project) – by 2022, OFB had converted 300 guns, extending their range to 39 km (a cost-effective modernization done in India). Additionally, new mountain guns: the Indian-made ATAGS 155/52 howitzer (advanced towed artillery gun system) underwent user trials in 2020–22, and in 2023 the Army placed an initial order for 300 ATAGS, but those will be delivered post-2024. In summary, the last five years saw the artillery profile bolstered by 145 imported M777​en.wikipedia.org, 100 (now 200) locally-made K9 Vajras, and multiple regiments of indigenous Pinaka rockets, along with incremental induction of Indian towed guns (Dhanush, Sharang).

Table: Artillery and Rocket Acquisitions (2020–2024)

System	Quantity & Type	Supplier / Origin	Key Contracts and Status
M777 155mm ULH	145 towed howitzers	BAE Systems (UK/US)	$737M FMS contract (2016). All 145 delivered by mid-2021​en.wikipedia.org – 25 imported, 120 assembled by Mahindra in India (Import + Local).
Dhanush 155mm/45 cal	114 towed howitzers	OFB / AWE India (India)	Developed locally from Bofors. First 18 delivered by 2020; production resumed, full delivery by 2026 expected (Indigenous).
K9 Vajra-T 155mm SPH	100 + 100 tracked SP guns	Hanwha (S. Korea) & L&T (India)	₹4,500 cr for 100 (2017) – delivered by Feb 2021. Follow-on ₹7,628 cr for 100 more (signed Dec 2024). License-built by L&T in India (Imported tech, built in India).
Sharang 155mm upgrade	300 upgraded guns (130→155mm)	OFB (India)	Up-gunning of M-46 field guns to 155mm. Completed ~100 by 2020, ~300 by 2022 (Indigenous upgrade).
Pinaka Mk I MBRL	6 regiments (36 launch batteries)	DRDO & Tata/L&T (India)	₹2,580 cr contract (Aug 2020) – 114 launchers, 45 command posts by 2024. Range ~40 km. Entirely indigenous production.
Pinaka Mk II (guided)	[planned 2024] 4–5 regiments	DRDO & Private (India)	Extended range (75 km) rockets. CCS approval in 2024 ~₹10k cr (contract signing 2025) – to be inducted post-2025 (Indigenous).
ATAGS 155mm/52	[planned] 300 guns	DRDO & Bharat Forge/Tata (India)	Indigenous towed gun in trials. Order approved in 2023; deliveries expected 2025 onward (Indigenous).

Combat Aircraft (Fighters and Attack Helicopters)

India’s air power acquisitions in 2020–2024 included high-profile foreign fighter jets as well as large orders for indigenous aircraft:

An Indian Air Force Rafale DH fighter (two-seat variant) taxiing in France prior to delivery. All 36 Rafales ordered from Dassault were delivered by the end of 2022, significantly boosting the IAF’s capabilities.

• Dassault Rafale: The Indian Air Force (IAF) inducted 36 Rafale multirole fighters from France, its first new western fighters in decades. The €7.8 billion intergovernmental deal (signed 2016) included 28 single-seat and 8 twin-seat Rafales, with tailor-made India-specific enhancements. Deliveries began mid-2020, and by December 2022 the IAF had received all 36 Rafales (18 jets each are based at Ambala and Hasimara). The Rafales, armed with Meteor BVRAAM and SCALP cruise missiles, were procured outright (imported) and have been operational since the Ladakh crisis of 2020. In 2023, India further approved the acquisition of 26 Rafale-Marine fighters for its Navy (to operate from aircraft carriers). The Rafale-M deal (worth approx $7.5B) was officially signed in mid-2023, marking the first foreign fighter purchase for the Navy – these carrier-capable Rafales will be delivered by 2026–2030 to fly from INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.
• HAL Tejas Light Combat Aircraft: Emphasizing self-reliance, India cleared its largest indigenous fighter order in 2021. The Cabinet Committee on Security approved 83 HAL Tejas Mk-1A light combat aircraft for the IAF. This ₹48,000 crore ($6.5B) deal includes 73 single-seat Tejas Mk1A fighters plus 10 twin-seat trainers – all to be built in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. The Tejas Mk1A is an improved variant with AESA radar, EW suite, and mid-air refueling, constituting the backbone of the future IAF fleet. Contract signing took place in February 2021, and HAL is ramping up production; deliveries are slated from 2024 through 2031. This purchase is fully domestic (Buy Indian – IDDM category). It follows the earlier induction of 40 Tejas Mk1 fighters. The new order illustrates India’s push for indigenous combat aircraft – making the Tejas the IAF’s workhorse in coming years.
• Sukhoi Su-30MKI: To replace attrition losses and enhance heavy fighter squadrons, India decided to procure additional Su-30MKIs. In July 2020, the Defence Acquisition Council approved buying 12 Su-30MKI aircraft (and upgrading existing ones). After price negotiations, a contract worth ~₹13,500 crore was finally signed with HAL in Dec 2024 for these 12 new Su-30MKIs. HAL’s Nasik division will manufacture them under Russian license, with 62% indigenous content in the airframes. Delivery of these Su-30s will occur by 2027, taking the IAF’s Su-30 fleet from 272 to 284. (The Su-30MKI is produced in India, but from imported Russian kits – so this is a domestic manufacture of a foreign design.) Alongside, the IAF is upgrading its older Su-30MKIs with new radars and BrahMos missile integration (project Super Sukhoi) – an upgrade contract is under discussion as of 2024.
• MiG-29: The IAF also moved to add 21 MiG-29 fighters to its inventory – these are airframes from Russia that were never completed in the Soviet era, to be upgraded to latest standards. The DAC approved this purchase and an upgrade of the IAF’s existing 59 MiG-29s in mid-2020, with the MiG-29 deal estimated at ₹7,418 crore. This would take the IAF’s MiG-29 (UPG) fleet from 59 to 80 aircraft. However, due to budget prioritization, contract finalization was delayed. As of 2024, negotiations continue; if concluded, these 21 MiGs will be refurbished in Russia and delivered to India with new avionics and AESA radars (fulfilling a stop-gap fighter need at relatively low cost). This is an import-cum-upgrade plan. Notably, there were reports in 2022–24 that this MiG-29 purchase might be put on hold or cancelled amid geopolitical shifts, but no official cancellation was announced by end-2024.
• Attack Helicopters: In February 2020, India signed a deal with the U.S. for 6 Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters for the Army. This ~$930 million direct commercial sale was part of a larger $3B package that included naval MH-60R helicopters. These Apache Guardian helos (armed with Hellfire missiles and rockets) are in addition to the 22 Apaches delivered to the IAF by 2019. Deliveries of the 6 Army Apaches began in late 2023. They are being procured in fly-away (ready built) form from Boeing (Imported). Meanwhile, India’s HAL Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) achieved initial induction. After years of development, HAL produced 15 limited-series LCH “Prachand” attack helicopters – 10 for IAF and 5 for Army – by 2022. The LCH is a 5.5-ton indigenous gunship optimized for high-altitude warfare (can operate at 16,000+ feet). It was formally inducted in October 2022 and proved its capability during Ladakh deployments. Building on this, in 2023 the government approved a massive procurement of 156 LCH Prachand for ₹62,700 crore – 90 for Army and 66 for IAF – to be delivered over the coming decade. The contract for these 156 LCH was signed in 2025 (first units from this order expected ~2026). This 100% indigenous helicopter order (the largest ever for HAL rotary wing) will enable the Army to raise multiple LCH squadrons, especially for mountain strike corps. Thus, by combining imported Apaches with locally-made LCHs, India is strengthening its attack helicopter fleet for both low-intensity and conventional conflicts.
• Other Combat Aircraft: The Indian Navy, apart from the Rafale-M deal, also evaluated carrier-capable fighters. The Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet was trialed in 2022, but the Rafale was chosen in 2023. The Navy also inducted 2nd-hand MiG-29K trainers to replace losses in its carrier air wing (taking the MiG-29K/KUB fleet to around 40). Additionally, the IAF leased a Falcon AWACS and planned to purchase indigenous AEW&C (Netra) planes – though those deals are outside the “weapons” scope. India’s development of the fifth-generation AMCA fighter progressed through design approvals in 2023, but no purchase yet. In sum, during 2020–24 the IAF received **36 Rafales, ordered 83 Tejas (domestic), and topped up its fleet with 12 Su-30MKIs and possibly 21 MiG-29s, while the Army and Air Force inducted attack helicopters (6 Apaches imported, 15+ LCH indigenous) – reflecting a balanced approach of foreign procurement and domestic manufacturing.

Table: Major Combat Aircraft Procurements (2020–2024)

Aircraft	Quantity	Supplier / Origin	Contract Details & Notes
Rafale B/C (IAF) (4.5-gen fighter)	36	Dassault (France)	€7.8B deal (2016) for 36; delivered 2020–2022. Fully imported (fly-away).
Rafale Marine (Navy)	26	Dassault (France)	~$7.5B deal (2023) for 26 carrier-based Rafale M F4. Deliveries 2026–30 (Import).
HAL Tejas Mk1A (LCA fighter)	83 (73 fighter + 10 trainer)	HAL (India)	₹48k cr contract (2021). Indigenous light fighters for IAF; delivery 2024–31 (Domestic).
Su-30MKI (HAL-built) (Heavy fighter)	12	HAL/Russia (license)	₹13.5k cr contract (2024). Built at HAL Nasik with 60% Indian content (Domestic production of foreign design).
MiG-29 UPG (Medium fighter)	21 (planned)	UAC MiG (Russia)	DAC approved 2020 (~₹7.4k cr). To be upgraded and delivered by Russia (Import, under negotiation).
AH-64E Apache (Attack helicopter)	6 (Army)	Boeing (USA)	~$800M deal (2020). Delivered 2023–24 (Direct Import). Earlier 22 for IAF (2019).
HAL LCH Prachand (Attack helicopter)	15 + 156	HAL (India)	15 LSP delivered 2021–22; 156 on order (2023, ₹62.7k cr) for Army/IAF (100% Indigenous).

Transport and Training Aircraft

To refresh its transport fleet and training assets, India initiated several key acquisitions, often emphasizing domestic production:

• Transport Aircraft (Fixed-Wing): In September 2021, India formalized a ₹21,935 crore contract with Airbus Defence for 56 C-295MW medium transport aircraft. The C-295 (5–10 tonne class) will replace the antiquated HS-748 Avro. Per the deal, 16 C-295s will be delivered in fly-away condition from Spain, and the remaining 40 will be manufactured in India by Tata Advanced Systems in a new facility at Vadodara. This marks the first time an Indian private company will build a full aircraft locally. The first C-295s from Spain arrive in 2023–24, and the indigenous production will run from 2026 to 2031. All aircraft will feature an Indian electronics suite. This project (foreign-origin but with large-scale Indian manufacturing) not only upgrades the IAF’s tactical airlift capability (with a modern cargo plane capable of short takeoff and landing on improvised airstrips) but also creates an aerospace industrial ecosystem in India. Additionally, the IAF is in talks (2024) to order 6 more C-295s for the Coast Guard and Navy, and potentially a follow-on batch of 15–25 for itself, given the type’s success. The IAF’s heavy transports (C-17, IL-76) saw no new buys in this period, but mid-life upgrades for IL-76 and additional Chinook heavy-lift helicopters are under consideration.
• Training Aircraft: In March 2023, the MoD signed a ₹6,827 crore contract with HAL for 70 HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft. The HTT-40 is a locally-designed two-seat turboprop trainer for rookie pilots, meant to replace aging HPT-32 Deepaks. All 70 will be built by HAL with over 60% indigenous content. The IAF will receive these trainers between 2025 and 2030 for Stage-1 flight training. This 2023 order follows the completion of HAL’s internal R&D on the HTT-40 and demonstrates trust in an indigenous platform after earlier reliance on imports (IAF had procured 75 Swiss PC-7 MkII trainers in 2012). By ordering 70 Indian-made HTT-40s, India moves closer to self-sufficiency in military trainers (Buy Indian-IDDM category). For advanced training, the IAF operates the Hawk AJT; no new AJTs were bought in 2020–24 (instead HAL is developing an indigenous AJT and a Lift Trainer variant of the Tejas for the future).
• Multi-Role Helicopters: The Indian Navy’s 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters (procured in the same 2020 deal as Apaches) began arriving from 2021. By late 2022, the Navy had received at least 9 of these Lockheed Martin Sikorsky-built maritime multi-role helos, which replace legacy Sea Kings for anti-submarine warfare. All 24 MH-60Rs, worth $2.13B, will be delivered by 2025 (Direct Import via FMS). Meanwhile, HAL’s Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv continued to see orders: the Coast Guard received the last of 16 ALH Mk-III helicopters by 2022 (contract from 2017) and placed a Letter of Intent for 9 more. The Navy and Army also inducted ALH Mk-III and Rudra (armed ALH) in small batches – these are indigenous platforms supporting utility and light attack roles.
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Although not explicitly asked, notable UAV procurements include the 2021 lease of 2 MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones from the US for the Navy (for maritime surveillance) and the Army’s purchase of indigenous Swarm drone systems (loitering munitions) in 2023 from Indian start-ups. A larger deal to buy 30 MQ-9B Predator drones (10 each for Army, Navy, IAF) was in advanced negotiation in 2024 (estimated $3B) but not concluded within this period. India did, however, domestically produce dozens of Israeli Heron TP UAVs under license upgrades (Project Cheetah) and ordered tactical drones like the SWITCH UAV for high-altitude use (2020 emergency procurement). These enhance reconnaissance capabilities alongside manned transport aircraft in the overall force structure.

Table: Key Transport & Trainer Aircraft Procurements

Aircraft	Quantity	Supplier / Origin	Deal and Notes
Airbus C-295MW (Medium transport)	56	Airbus Spain & Tata (India)	₹21,935 cr (2021) for 56: 16 from Spain, 40 built in India. Replaces Avro HS748 (Import + Indian production).
HAL Do-228 (Light transport)	6	HAL (India)	₹667 cr (2022) for 6 Do-228 for Navy/Coast Guard (utility transport). Indigenous manufacture (HAL).
HAL HTT-40 (Basic trainer)	70	HAL (India)	₹6,827 cr (Mar 2023) contract. Indigenous turboprop trainer for IAF; delivery over 6 years (Domestic).
EMB-145 “Netra” AEW&C (Airborne radar)	2 (planned)	DRDO & EMBraer (India/Brazil)	In principle approval for 2 additional Netra AEW&C (to be mounted on ex-Air India A321s instead of EMB-145) – project sanctioned 2021, deliveries post-2025.
MH-60R Seahawk (Naval multirole helo)	24	Sikorsky-Lockheed (USA)	$2.13B deal (2020). ~9 delivered by 2022, all 24 by 2025 (Direct Import via US FMS).
HAL ALH Dhruv Mk III (Utility helo)	16 + 9	HAL (India)	16 delivered to Coast Guard by 2022 (₹5,126 cr 2017 deal). LoI for 9 more Mk-III in 2023. Navy/Army also inducting ALH in batches (Domestic).
Light Utility Helicopter (LUH)	12	HAL (India)	~₹1,500 cr approval (Nov 2021) for 12 LUHs to replace Cheetah/Chetak. Indigenous 3-ton utility helo; first delivered in 2022, rest by 2024 (Domestic).

Naval Vessels and Systems

India’s naval procurements from 2020–24 focused on indigenously built warships and a few strategic imports, significantly enhancing the Navy’s surface and undersea capabilities:

The INS Vikrant during sea trials with a HAL Dhruv helicopter on deck (2022). Vikrant is India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, commissioned in September 2022. Its induction highlights India’s naval shipbuilding prowess under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

• Aircraft Carrier: The crown jewel of Indian naval acquisition is INS Vikrant (IAC-1), the first Made-in-India aircraft carrier. Built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd, Vikrant (45,000 tons) was delivered to the Navy in July 2022 and commissioned on 2 September 2022. The carrier cost about ₹20,000 crore. Its construction (from 2009–2022) was a technological leap for India. Vikrant can embark ~30 aircraft (MiG-29K fighters, soon naval Rafales, plus helicopters). This carrier procurement is entirely domestic – from design to construction – although its aviation assets (fighters, radar) are imported. Alongside the older INS Vikramaditya (ex-Russian carrier), Vikrant gives India a two-carrier force. In 2023, the Navy also began preliminary work on a second indigenous carrier (IAC-2), but that project is in design stage only. For now, INS Vikrant’s induction (2022) stands as a major achievement, augmenting India’s blue-water capabilities.
• Destroyers: The Navy started inducting the new Visakhapatnam-class destroyers (Project 15B). These 7,400-ton stealth guided missile destroyers are built at Mazagon Dock, Mumbai with largely indigenous systems. INS Visakhapatnam was commissioned in November 2021 and INS Mormugao in December 2022, with the remaining two (Imphal and Surat) fitting out for delivery by 2024–25. Each carries 16 BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and 32 Barak-8 SAMs. This ₹29,643 cr project (approved in 2011) is a Make in India success – all design and construction is Indian, though some weapons (Israeli-Indian Barak SAM, Russian-origin BrahMos) are joint ventures. The Visakhapatnam-class significantly enhances the Navy’s surface combatant fleet, replacing older Rajput-class destroyers. (Induction of these warships is phased from 2021 to 2025, so in 2020–24 two were commissioned – a purchase by the Navy from the domestic shipyard.)
• Frigates: Multiple frigate programs progressed. Under a 2018 deal with Russia, India is acquiring 4 improved Talwar-class (Project 11356) frigates. Two frigates are being built in Russia at Yantar Shipyard and two in India by Goa Shipyard Ltd. The first Russian-built unit, INS Tushil, was commissioned on 9 December 2024 in Kaliningrad​navalnews.com​navalnews.com, and the second (INS Tamala) is expected in late 2025. These 4,000-ton stealth frigates feature Ukrainian gas turbines and Russian weapons (BrahMos is likely added). The contract is roughly $2.5B. This is a hybrid procurement – partly imported (2 ready ships from Russia) and partly domestic (2 to be built in Goa with transferred technology). Separately, the Navy continued its Project-17A for 7 indigenous Nilgiri-class frigates. These 6,600-ton advanced frigates (with a mix of indigenous and Western systems) are being built by Mazagon Dock and Garden Reach Shipbuilders. The first P-17A frigate, INS Nilgiri, launched in 2019, underwent trials in 2022–23, and is slated for commissioning in 2024. The second, INS Udaygiri, was launched 2022. Thus, 2020–24 saw Nilgiri-class ships in various build stages but not yet commissioned (so strictly speaking, they are purchases from Indian yards in progress). Once delivered (2024 onward), these will be wholly Indian-built frigates with largely indigenous weapons. In summary, the frigate force is being augmented through a mix of Russian-origin Talwar-class (2 imported, 2 local)​navalnews.com and indigenous Nilgiri-class (7 local) – all aimed at modernizing the Navy’s principal surface combatants.
• Submarines: The Navy substantially completed Project-75 – the indigenous construction of Scorpene-class submarines (Kalvari-class). Built by Mazagon Dock (MDL) in collaboration with France’s Naval Group, these diesel-electric attack submarines have advanced sonar and the capability to launch Exocet anti-ship missiles. By 2023, five Scorpene submarines – INS Kalvari (2017), Khanderi (2019), Karanj (2021), Vela (Nov 2021), and Vagir (Jan 2023) – were commissioned. The sixth boat, INS Vaghsheer, was delivered to the Navy in early January 2025 after sea trials. Thus effectively all 6 submarines were completed by end-2024 (with commissioning of the last in early 2025). This entire ₹23,000 cr project is a Make in India with foreign technology success – except for certain French-supplied components, the subs were built in Mumbai with over 30% local content. No new foreign subs were purchased in this period (the follow-on Project-75I for new-generation submarines has been delayed). Instead, India cleared in 2023 a life extension for its four older German HDW submarines and considered an order for 3 more Scorpene-class (approved in principle by 2023 to avoid a capability gap). Overall, 2020–24 gave the Navy 5 new Scorpene subs (domestically built), restoring underwater strength, while plans for future submarines (including possible nuclear attack subs) are progressing under separate programs.
• Other Naval Vessels: Numerous other indigenously made naval vessels were delivered: e.g., the fourth Kamorta-class ASW corvette (INS Kavaratti) was commissioned in 2020 (project completed, all four made in India). The Navy also inducted new offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) and high-speed interceptor boats from Indian yards, and commissioned the sail training ship INS Sudarshini (2019) and began construction of next-gen missile boats under Project 15B. In March 2023, the Coast Guard signed for 3 Cadet Training Ships from L&T shipyard for ₹3,100 cr (for joint Navy/Coast Guard training, delivery by 2026). These developments highlight an overwhelming emphasis on domestic shipbuilding. The only major foreign naval platform purchased outright in this period was perhaps the Russian Akula-class nuclear attack submarine on lease (a 10-year lease of one submarine, Chakra III, agreed in 2019 for ~$3B, expected delivery around 2025). However, that is a lease, not ownership, and falls slightly outside the 2020–24 timeline of deliveries.
• Naval Weapons and Systems: Alongside ships, the Navy invested in advanced weaponry. Notably, in February 2024 the CCS approved 200 more BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles for the Navy’s vessels and coastal batteries at a cost of ₹19,000 cr. This will arm new ships (like Visakhapatnam destroyers and Nilgiri frigates) with the latest BrahMos-ER (450 km range) variant. The BrahMos (jointly developed with Russia) is produced in India and serves as the Navy’s standard heavy anti-ship and land-attack missile. The Navy also received its final four P-8I Poseidon long-range maritime patrol aircraft by 2021, completing the 12-aircraft order from Boeing (8 ordered in 2009, 4 more in 2016). These P-8Is (imported from the US) have strengthened antisubmarine surveillance. In underwater weapons, absence of the Black Shark torpedo (cancelled post-2016) led to the Navy ordering indigenous Varunastra heavyweight torpedoes – over 70 Varunastras (made by Bharat Dynamics) were inducted by 2022 to arm ships and Scorpene subs. Another big ticket import was S-400 air defense systems (detailed below) which also provide cover for naval bases. Finally, the Navy has invested in indigenous combat management systems, EW suites, and sensors for its new ships – these are locally sourced via BEL and private vendors as part of each warship contract, boosting self-reliance in critical electronics.

Table: Major Naval Vessels Procured (2020–2024)

Vessel/Program	Quantity	Builder / Origin	Status (by 2024) and Notes
INS Vikrant (IAC-1 carrier)	1 (45,000 ton carrier)	Cochin Shipyard (India)	Commissioned Sep 2022. Indigenous design & build (₹20k cr). Air wing with MiG-29K, eventually Rafale-M.
Visakhapatnam-class Destroyers (Project 15B)	4 destroyers	Mazagon Dock (India)	2 commissioned (2021, 2022), 2 in trials. Indigenous 7,400t destroyers with BrahMos & Barak-8 (Domestic).
Talwar-class Frigates (Project 11356)	4 frigates	Yantar, Russia (2) & GSL, India (2)	2 Russian-built: INS Tushil delivered Dec 2024​navalnews.com, 2nd in 2025. 2 under construction in Goa (delivery ~2026). (Import + Local build).
Nilgiri-class Frigates (Project 17A)	7 frigates	MDL & GRSE (India)	4 launched (2019–2022), 0 commissioned by 2024. 6,600t stealth frigates with indigenous systems (Domestic).
Kalvari-class Submarines (Project 75)	6 diesel-electric subs	MDL / Naval Group (India/France)	5 commissioned (2017–2023), 6th delivered Jan 2025. Built in India under French TOT (Domestic build with foreign tech).
Kamorta-class ASW Corvettes (Project 28)	4 corvettes	GRSE (India)	All 4 commissioned (last in 2020). 3,300t indigenous ASW corvettes (Domestic).
Fleet Tanker (INS Imphal)	1 (fleet support ship)	Fincantieri (Italy) – past deal	(No new tankers 2020–24; last Italian-built tanker in 2011. A new tanker RFP under consideration with Turkey or domestic yards).
Cadet Training Ships	3 training ships	L&T (India)	₹3,100 cr contract (Mar 2023). 3,000t ships to be delivered by 2026 for Navy/Coast Guard (Domestic).
Harbor & Auxiliaries	8 tugboats, 2 MO ships, etc.	Multiple Indian yards	Indigenous yard craft and tugs ordered 2020–22 for port operations (Domestic).

Missile and Air Defense Systems

India’s strategic and tactical missile purchases in 2020–2024 combined high-profile imports (like the S-400) with indigenous missile systems for all three services:

• Long-Range Air Defense (S-400): In October 2018, India signed a $5.43 billion deal with Russia for 5 squadrons of S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile systems. Despite U.S. CAATSA sanctions concerns, deliveries began on schedule in late 2021. The first S-400 unit arrived in Dec 2021, the second in 2022, and the third by 2023. As of 2024, India has received three S-400 units (each unit is a squadron with multiple launchers), which have been deployed to cover threats from both China and Pakistan. The remaining two S-400 squadrons are expected by 2025 (there is a slight delay due to the Russia-Ukraine war impacting supply lines). Each S-400 battery can engage aircraft or missiles at ranges up to 400 km, giving India a formidable long-range air defense umbrella (far superior to older Russian SAMs). The S-400 purchase is a pure import; however, India is also developing an indigenous long-range SAM (XLRS) in the coming decade to complement it.
• Medium-range SAM (MRSAM): India and Israel jointly developed the Barak-8 medium-range surface-to-air missile, known in the Army as MRSAM “Abhra”. In 2020–22, production of MRSAM systems by Bharat Dynamics in India hit stride. The Army inducted its first two MRSAM regiments by late 2022, and the first unit became operational in February 2023. Each Army MRSAM regiment has a command post, radar, and 4–5 missile launch batteries (each launcher with 8 ready-to-fire missiles, range ~70 km). These MRSAM systems (a product of a ₹16,000 cr 2017 contract) are built in India with Israeli IAI as technology partner. In January 2025, India signed another $524M deal for additional MRSAM units for the Army, underscoring satisfaction with the system. The Navy and Air Force versions of Barak-8 were already in service on ships and with IAF units (since ~2015). Thus, by 2024 India’s medium-layer air defense is largely indigenous (joint production) – MRSAM regiments protect critical areas, complementing the longer-range S-400 and the older short-range systems.
• Short-range / MANPADS: To replace legacy Igla-M MANPADS, India in late 2020 ordered the newest Russian Igla-S (SA-24) MANPADS under an $1.5 billion VSHORAD program. An initial batch of 216 Igla-S missiles and 72 launchers was contracted via an emergency procurement in Dec 2020. Deliveries were swift – by end of 2021, Russia had supplied these shoulder-fired SAMs to India. Moreover, as part of the deal, Rosoboronexport agreed to license assemble Igla-S in India with private partner Adani Defense, improving self-reliance for subsequent batches. The Igla-S (range ~6 km) gives infantry units a modern portable air-defense capability (imported, with some local assembly). Parallelly, DRDO accelerated development of an indigenous Very Short Range SAM (VSHORAD) system. In 2022–23, DRDO tested a new man-portable VSHORAD missile, which the Army may opt for in the future – but as of 2024, the interim solution is the imported Igla-S.
• Ballistic Missiles: On the strategic front, India did not import any ballistic missiles (it develops its own). However, notable domestic progress included test and induction of the Agni-P new-generation medium-range ballistic missile in 2021 (range ~2000 km, canisterized) and ongoing production of Agni-5 ICBMs (operational range ~5000 km). The Strategic Forces Command inducted additional Agni-3 and Agni-4 missiles through this period (all indigenous). In 2020, DRDO also tested a hypersonic technology demonstrator – pointing to future hypersonic weapons. No foreign purchases occurred for these strategic systems, as India pursues self-reliance in nuclear delivery systems.
• Cruise and Anti-Ship Missiles: The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile (jointly developed by India and Russia) remains the mainstay of India’s cruise arsenal. Besides the Navy’s 2024 BrahMos order mentioned, the Army raised additional BrahMos missile regiments for the northeastern border. By 2022, the Army had deployed a fourth BrahMos regiment in Arunachal Pradesh (near China) with the 290-km variant and is now inducting an extended 450-km range variant. These BrahMos units are produced by BrahMos Aerospace in India (with imported Russian engine/ seeker components), thus considered indigenous procurement. In January 2022, India made its first export of BrahMos – to the Philippines (three batteries) – showcasing the missile’s success. The Air Force too has equipped two Su-30MKI squadrons with the Air-Launched BrahMos (range ~400 km) by 2020. In terms of anti-ship missiles, the Navy in 2021 approved the indigenous NSM (Naval Strike Missile) development and also received the final batches of Russian Kh-35 Uran missiles for its older ships. For land-attack, the Air Force ordered additional stocks of the European SCALP EG cruise missile (part of the Rafale armament) and the DRDO’s indigenous NGARM (Rudram-1) anti-radiation missile entered production in 2022 for SEAD missions – these are significant indigenous missiles for the IAF.
• Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM): The Army’s night-fire capable ATGM inventory was enhanced via both imports and local development. In 2019, after a larger deal fell through, the Army urgently imported 12 launchers and 240 Spike-MR ATGMs from Israel’s Rafael. These man-portable Spike missiles (4 km range) were delivered by end of 2019 and deployed at the borders (fast-track import). Additionally, India’s state-owned BDL partnered with Rafael (under joint venture KRAS) to begin local assembly of Spike ATGMs – a 2021 contract worth ₹2,870 cr was reportedly signed for more Spike missiles to be produced in India. On the indigenous side, DRDO completed development of the Nag ATGM (5 km range, fire-and-forget) and its carrier vehicle NAMICA. In 2020, the DAC approved the procurement of the Nag Missile System (NAMIS) for ₹524 cr, which includes 13 NAMICA tracked launchers and 200 Nag missiles. By 2022, the Nag had completed user trials and is entering limited production – the first Nag regiment is expected to stand up by 2024 (all indigenous). For shorter ranges, DRDO also tested the man-portable MPATGM (2.5 km), an Indian equivalent to Javelin; it is nearing production as of 2024. Thus, in ATGMs, India filled immediate gaps with imported Spike MR missiles, but the future lies in domestic Nag and MPATGM systems for its infantry and mechanized units.
• Air-to-Air and Other Missiles: The IAF in 2020 inducted the indigenous Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVR AAM) on its Su-30MKI fighters. An initial order of 50 Astra Mk1 was delivered in 2021, replacing some Russian R-77. In 2022, MoD sanctioned ₹2,971 cr for ASTRA Mk1 production for the IAF and Navy. These Astra missiles (110 km range) are made by BDL in India (indigenous) and will also arm the Navy’s MiG-29K. Meanwhile, the IAF also received the French Meteor AAM with the Rafale (imported as part of that package), giving it a >150 km air-to-air capability. For close combat, new ASRAAM and indigenous Python-5 integration on Tejas have been done.

Overall, India’s missile acquisitions in 2020–24 ensured a layered air defense (S-400 long-range, MRSAM medium, Akash and Igla-S for short-range), strengthened strike capabilities (BrahMos, SCALP, etc.), and pushed the envelope on indigenous production (Astra AAM, Nag ATGM, etc.). The mix of big-ticket imports (like S-400 and Spike) and indigenous systems (like MRSAM, BrahMos, Nag, Astra) reflects a strategy to meet immediate needs while building self-reliance in the long term.

Table: Notable Missile and Air Defence Procurements

System	Type	Quantity/Units	Supplier / Origin	Notes (Deal and Induction)
S-400 Triumf SAM	Long-range SAM	5 squadrons (Regiments)	Almaz-Antey (Russia)	$5.4B deal (2018). 3 squadrons delivered by 2023; remaining 2 by 2025 (Imported). Deployed for strategic air defense.
Barak-8 MRSAM (“Abhra”)	Medium-range SAM	2–3 regiments (IAF/Army)	DRDO-IAI (India/Israel)	₹16k cr joint dev. All Navy destroyers fitted 2015+. Army’s 1st regiment operational Feb 2023. Additional order 2025 (Indigenous production).
Akash SAM Mk1/Mk1S	Short-range SAM	8+ regiments (IAF/Army)	BDL/BEL (India)	Ongoing induction since 2015. In 2021, cleared for export and new Army orders (Akash-1S with seeker). (Indigenous).
Igla-S (SA-24) MANPADS	VSHORAD (MANPADS)	216 missiles + 72 launchers (1st batch)	KBM (Russia)	Contract Dec 2020, delivered by 2021. To be license-assembled in India for remaining requirements (Imported + Local).
QRSAM (DRDO)	Short-range SAM	(Under testing)	DRDO (India)	Indigenous Quick-Reaction SAM (range ~30 km). Trials successful by 2021; production not yet ordered as of 2024.
BrahMos (Blocks I-IV)	Supersonic Cruise	~4 Army regiments; equips 10 ships, 2 air sqns	BrahMos Aerospace (India/Russia)	Ongoing induction. Army raised 4th BrahMos regt by 2022 (450 km ER version). Navy ordered 200 more missiles in 2024 (Joint venture, Made in India).
Nirbhay (ITCM)	Subsonic Cruise	(Under dev/testing)	DRDO (India)	1000-km subsonic cruise missile. Tests ongoing (likely induction as ITCM around 2024). No foreign purchase – indigenous.
Spike MR/LR ATGM	Anti-tank missile	240+ missiles, 12+ launchers	Rafael (Israel) / KRAS (India)	Emergency buy 240 missiles (2019). Follow-on order with local assembly (2021) ~₹2,800 cr. (Import + Indian assembly).
Nag ATGM + NAMICA	Anti-tank missile	200 missiles, 13 NAMICAs (initial)	DRDO/BEL (India)	₹524 cr approved 2020. 3rd-gen fire-and-forget ATGM (4 km, infrared). Induction of first Nag regiment expected ~2023–24 (Indigenous).
MPATGM (Manportable ATGM)	Anti-tank missile	(Under trials)	DRDO (India)	2.5 km man-portable ATGM (Javelin class). Successful tests 2021–22. Production not yet ordered as of 2024 (Indigenous).
Astra BVRAAM	Air-to-Air missile	200+ (on order)	DRDO/BDL (India)	~₹2,970 cr order (2022) for Astra Mk1 for IAF & Navy. 110 km range BVR AAM, equips Su-30 and MiG-29K (Indigenous). Astra Mk2 (150 km) in dev.
Meteor & MICA AAM	Air-to-Air missile	~200 (Meteor), ~300 (MICA)	MBDA (France)	Acquired as part of Rafale weapons package 2020–22. Meteor (BVRAAM 150+ km) and MICA (visual-range) enhance IAF air combat (Imported with Rafale deal).
SCALP EG Cruise	Air-launched cruise	~100 (est.)	MBDA (France)	300 km standoff missiles for Rafale, delivered 2020–22 with Rafale deal. (Imported).
Rudram-1 ARM	Anti-Radiation missile	~? (initial production)	DRDO (India)	Indigenously developed anti-radar missile (range 150 km). Tested 2020, cleared for production in 2021 for IAF Su-30 (Indigenous).

Conclusion: Between 2020 and 2024, India’s defense procurements covered a broad spectrum of weaponry – from rifles and tanks to fighter jets, warships, and missiles – with an approximate balance between imports (e.g. Rafale jets, S-400 SAMs, Apaches) and indigenously produced systems (e.g. Arjun tanks, Tejas fighters, Pinaka rockets, Vikrant carrier). Major defense deals signed in this period – such as the Tejas Mk1A deal (2021), the C-295 transport deal (2021), the AK-203 rifle deal (2019/2021), the LCH helicopter deal (2023), and the BrahMos missiles deal (2024) – reflect India’s shift toward “Make in India” with technology transfers and domestic assembly. At the same time, critical gaps were filled via direct imports (emergency buys of Sig Sauer rifles and Spike ATGMs, or high-end platforms like Rafale and S-400). The quantities procured (e.g. 83 indigenous fighters, 464 licensed tanks, 56 transports, 155 helicopters of various types, 6 submarines, 5 SAM squadrons, etc.) are substantial, aiming to replace older Soviet-era equipment and enhance the Indian military’s overall capability. Notable trends include multi-billion dollar government-to-government deals (with the U.S., Russia, France, Israel) and parallel large domestic contracts with Indian industry. In summary, 2020–2024 has been a period of both modernization and indigenization for India’s armed forces, with procurement encompassing virtually all categories of weapon systems – an investment in national security and self-reliance for the years ahead.

Sources: The above information is drawn from official Ministry of Defence press releases, defence news outlets, and databases including SIPRI and Jane’s. Key references include India’s Press Information Bureau releases, reporting by India Today, The Hindu and The Economic Times, and defense news services like Janes, Army Recognition, and Defense News which detail these procurement contracts and deliveries. Each category of arms has been cross-verified with multiple sources to ensure accurate quantities and contract values as of 2024.