Let us be honest about the numbers. When we hear figures like ₹6.81 lakh crore, which was the amount allocated for defence in the last budget, it sounds absolutely massive. That amount is more money than any other ministry gets, making up around thirteen percent of everything the central government spends. It increased by about nine and a half percent from the year before, which seems impressive on the surface. But here is the thing we need to understand: not all of that money goes into buying new weapons or building cutting-edge technology. Think of it like your household budget. If most of your monthly income goes into paying old debts, rent, electricity, and groceries, how much is really left for buying something new or investing in your future? That is exactly what happens with our defence spending.

Nearly one-fourth of the entire defence budget goes directly towards pensions for retired soldiers. These are people who served the nation with honour, and they absolutely deserve every single rupee of support in their retirement. Then there is a significant amount set aside for salaries of serving personnel, uniforms, food, fuel for trucks and jets, and maintaining all the existing equipment. By the time all these essential daily expenses are covered, the amount that remains for actually modernising our forces—buying new fighter jets, advanced submarines, or developing artificial intelligence for warfare—is much less than what is actually needed. India currently spends only about one point nine percent of our GDP on defence. Defence experts and retired generals keep emphasizing that we need to push this to at least two point five percent or even three percent to match what other major powers spend and to properly handle the unique threats we face on our borders.

The harsh truth is that our neighbourhood is not the friendliest place in the world. We have persistent tensions with China along the northern borders and ongoing historical challenges with Pakistan to the west. The world is becoming more unpredictable every day, with conflicts erupting in different regions without warning. In such volatile times, can we really afford to have outdated weapons or delay the purchase of modern equipment? Recent events, including the tensions that led to Operation Sindoor, have shown us that being prepared is not optional—it is a necessity for survival. Our soldiers deserve the best tools to protect themselves and us. When a jawan faces the enemy with inferior equipment while the other side has superior technology, it is simply not a fair fight, and we owe it to them to change this equation.

This is where the entire concept of Atmanirbhar Bharat, or a self-reliant India, becomes so crucial. For decades, we bought most of our defence equipment from other countries like Russia, France, America, and Israel. We depended on them for everything from rifles to jets. But what if international relations change overnight? What if they refuse to sell us spare parts or ammunition when we need them most during a crisis? That is a strategic risk we cannot afford to take. So, the government decided that India should start making its own weapons, planes, ships, and technology. And honestly, we are not doing badly at all. Defence production in India has grown significantly, and our exports have jumped from almost nothing to over ₹21,000 crore in recent years. Today, Indian-made missiles, radars, and patrol boats are being bought by countries in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. That is something every Indian can feel proud about.

The 2025-26 budget showed some very promising signs of this shift. Capital expenditure—that is the technical term for money spent on buying new heavy equipment—was increased to around ₹1.8 lakh crore, and remarkably, seventy-five percent of that money was reserved specifically for Indian manufacturers. This policy means more jobs for people working in factories across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and other states. It means our economy benefits while our military gets stronger. Research and development also got more funds, with the DRDO receiving nearly ₹27,000 crore. Programs like iDEX are encouraging young innovators and startups to create drones, cyber security tools, and AI-based systems for defence. Imagine being part of a team that builds the technology protecting our country—that is the kind of opportunity this push for self-reliance is creating for the youth.

So, what should we expect from the upcoming 2026-27 budget? Many analysts and experts are hoping for a double-digit increase, potentially pushing the total allocation beyond ₹7.5 lakh crore. The demand across the board is clear: more money is needed for modernisation. The Army needs new tanks to replace aging ones, better artillery, and modern armoured vehicles that can protect soldiers in battle. The Navy is asking for more submarines and another aircraft carrier because we have a very long coastline and important sea routes to protect from pirates and hostile navies. The Air Force desperately wants advanced fighter jets, including our own indigenous AMCA project, more Rafale-type aircraft, and long-range drones that can surveil borders for days without landing. All three services are also looking at new-age technology—artificial intelligence that can predict enemy movements, cyber warfare capabilities to defend against digital attacks, and unmanned systems that reduce risk to human lives.

However, simply throwing money at the problem won't solve everything. There are some practical challenges we need to talk about. Pensions and salaries will keep increasing because of inflation and the need for new recruitment. Schemes like Agnipath were introduced to try and control these long-term costs, but finding the right balance between hiring people and investing in machines is complicated and politically sensitive. Global supply chains are also messed up these days, making imported parts more expensive and harder to get. That is another reason why building things at home is not just good policy—it is a practical necessity to ensure we always have what we need.

Some experts are suggesting smart financial solutions to help the military. One popular idea is to create a special non-lapsable fund for defence. Right now, if the military doesn't spend its allocated money by the end of the financial year on March 31st, it goes back to the government treasury. A non-lapsable fund would ensure that money for important long-term projects stays available and doesn't disappear because of procedural delays. Another suggestion is to give tax benefits and easier loans to private companies working in defence manufacturing. This would encourage more businesses to enter the sector, creating competition which usually leads to better products and lower prices.

For us as ordinary citizens, especially for those in our teenage years thinking about careers and the future, a strong defence budget should matter deeply. It is not just about security—though that is obviously the most important part. It is also about opportunity. The defence sector is rapidly becoming a hub for technology, engineering, and innovation in India. Whether you are interested in aerospace, robotics, computer science, or high-tech manufacturing, there is a growing space for you here. Plus, a secure country is a prosperous country. When businesses know they are safe from external threats, they invest more. When people feel protected, they can focus on building their careers and lives without fear.

As we wait for February and the budget announcement, I believe the government needs to show courage and vision. Yes, there are many competing demands for money in a large country like ours—education, healthcare, and infrastructure all need funding desperately. But defence cannot be treated as just another expense to be managed. It is an investment in our very survival and success as a nation. The vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047—a developed India—cannot be achieved without a strong, modern defence force. We cannot dream of becoming a global economic power while remaining weak in the one area that guarantees our sovereignty.

My opinion is clear: the 2026-27 budget should prioritise three things. First, significantly increase capital spending for modernisation so our forces get the equipment they need now, not ten years from now. Second, continue and expand support for Indian defence manufacturers, both public and private, with better incentives and a clear long-term policy. Third, invest heavily in research and future technologies because the wars of tomorrow will be fought with AI, drones, and cyber weapons, not just conventional arms. Defence is not about chest-thumping nationalism or aggressive posturing. It is about being prepared, being self-reliant, and respecting those who protect us. It is about ensuring that when our generation becomes parents, our children can also sleep peacefully. The budget is coming soon, and whatever number is announced, we should ask: is it enough? Are we truly ready for tomorrow? Because our soldiers are ready to give everything for us. The least we can do is give them the tools to succeed. (IPA Service)