Rajnath’s Rallying Cry: India’s Missiles, Subs, AI Shake the World

At The Week Defence Conclave 2025 on April 17, 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declared India’s ascent as a global defence titan, unveiling transformative breakthroughs in hypersonic missiles, nuclear submarines, and artificial intelligence (AI). These milestones, part of the “year of reforms,” position India among the world’s elite military powers, ensuring robust national security, driving economic prosperity, and igniting pride in every Indian. As India carves its place on the global stage, these advancements signal a strategic shift, balancing deterrence with diplomacy in a volatile geopolitical landscape.

Hypersonic Missiles: Unstoppable Power

India’s hypersonic missile, successfully tested in November 2024, travels at speeds exceeding Mach 5 (over 6,100 km/h), striking targets beyond 1,500 km with pinpoint accuracy. The Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV), showcased at Aero India 2025, maneuvers unpredictably, evading even the most advanced missile defence systems like the US THAAD or Russia’s S-400. This places India in an exclusive club alongside the US, China, and Russia, with only a handful of nations mastering this near-undetectable technology. The missile’s dual-use capability—conventional and nuclear warheads—enhances India’s strategic flexibility, deterring adversaries while minimizing escalation risks.

For citizens, this translates to a stronger shield against external threats, ensuring peace for families, businesses, and critical infrastructure. The technology also opens doors for civilian applications, such as high-speed transport, fostering innovation in aerospace industries. With the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) planning further tests by 2026, India is poised to extend its hypersonic range to 2,500 km, amplifying its influence in the Indo-Pacific.

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Nuclear Submarines: Guardians of the Seas

The Arihant-class nuclear submarines, including INS Arighaat and the recently commissioned S4, form the backbone of India’s maritime deterrence. Armed with K-15 and K-4 ballistic missiles, these submarines ensure a credible second-strike capability, vital for India’s no-first-use nuclear policy. The upcoming INS Varsha naval base, set to be operational by 2026, will enhance submarine operations, while indigenous attack submarines, planned for 2035, will counter growing Chinese naval activity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). This is critical as 90% of India’s trade by volume, including oil and gas, flows through these waters.

For coastal communities and consumers, this maritime shield stabilizes supply chains, preventing disruptions that could spike prices of essentials like fuel and food. The $6 billion Project-75I submarine deal with Germany, finalized in 2025, introduces advanced fuel-cell technology, boosting India’s underwater stealth capabilities. Collaborative projects like these also transfer cutting-edge skills to Indian shipyards, creating high-tech jobs in states like Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. By 2030, India aims to operate a fleet of six nuclear and 18 conventional submarines, cementing its dominance in the IOR.

AI: The Brain of Modern Warfare

AI is redefining India’s defence landscape, powering everything from autonomous drones to predictive logistics. Since 2022, the Indian armed forces have integrated 75 AI-based products, with 2024 marking significant adoption. The Army’s AI tools, such as real-time voice transcription for battlefield communications and driver fatigue monitors for armoured vehicles, enhance operational efficiency. The Indian Air Force’s AI-driven swarm drones, tested in 2024, can overwhelm enemy defences, while the Navy uses AI for predictive maintenance, reducing warship downtime by 30%.

These innovations create a ripple effect beyond the battlefield. The AI ecosystem, supported by initiatives like the Defence AI Council, is generating thousands of tech jobs, especially for India’s youth in Tier-2 cities like Coimbatore and Jaipur. Globally, India’s AI defence market is projected to reach $2 billion by 2030, positioning it as a hub for military AI exports. However, challenges like data security and ethical AI use remain, requiring robust policy frameworks. India’s collaboration with the US and Israel on AI standards could set a global benchmark, enhancing its soft power.

Why It Matters

India’s defence advancements are more than military milestones—they are a promise of a safer, stronger nation. For families, they mean living without the shadow of external threats. For small towns, projects like the 97% indigenously built INS Vikrant and the upcoming Tejas Mark-2 fighter jet create jobs and skills, transforming local economies. Defence exports, surging to Rs 23,000 crore in 2024 and targeting Rs 50,000 crore by 2030, fund critical infrastructure like schools, hospitals, and roads. For every Indian, this is about pride in a nation that speaks with authority on the global stage.

Strategically, these developments counterbalance China’s military expansion and strengthen India’s role in forums like the Quad. Economically, the defence sector’s growth—projected to contribute 2% to GDP by 2028—drives innovation in SMEs and startups. Socially, initiatives like Agnipath are skilling youth, with 25% of Agniveers transitioning to defence industries, fostering a disciplined workforce.

The Road Ahead

India’s defence journey is just beginning. By 2030, plans for a second indigenous aircraft carrier, laser-based directed-energy weapons, and quantum communication for secure military networks signal a futuristic force. Public-private partnerships, with firms like Tata and L&T, will accelerate innovation, while DRDO’s proposed restructuring aims to cut development timelines by 20%. For citizens, supporting this vision means advocating for STEM education, investing in defence startups, and celebrating India’s innovators.

In 2025, Rajnath Singh’s vision of a self-reliant, combat-ready India is not just taking shape—it is redefining global power dynamics. Hypersonic missiles, nuclear submarines, and AI are not merely tools of war but symbols of a nation rising with purpose. Let’s rally behind this transformative journey, from classrooms to boardrooms, and propel India to unparalleled global leadership.

(Girish Linganna is an award-winning Science Writer and Defence Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd. Contact: girishlinganna@gmail.com.)