The Union Budget 2026-27 pledges ₹7.84 lakh crore ($85.5 billion) for defence – up 15% over the last year, amounting to 14.7% of total government expenditure, pegged at 2.01% of the GDP. Concurrently, ₹2.2 lakh crore has been earmarked specifically for defence modernisation – a hike of 22% over the last year.
So, the intent through numbers is laudable – it is also a good trigger to accelerate the ongoing national security makeover. What is critical, however, is the design and efficacy of follow-up reforms – for cost-effective and precise delivery in national security. Therein lies the true challenge.
