India, with its rich history and strong sense of nationalism, has built one of the most respected and powerful defence systems in the world. From battling on the frontlines to pioneering advanced military technologies, the Indian Armed Forces stand as a pillar of pride, courage, and commitment. This article brings you 100 incredible and lesser-known facts about India’s defence that will make every Indian heart swell with pride. Whether you’re a defence enthusiast, a student, or just a curious reader—prepare to be amazed.
1. The Indian Army is the second-largest standing army in the world.
With over 1.4 million active personnel, the Indian Army holds the second spot globally in terms of manpower—only behind China.
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2. India has the world’s largest all-volunteer military force.
Unlike many countries, India has no compulsory military service. Every soldier joins voluntarily, showcasing a deep sense of patriotism.
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3. The Indian Air Force ranks fourth globally.
In terms of aircraft strength and operational capacity, the Indian Air Force stands just behind the U.S., Russia, and China.
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4. India is among the few countries with a nuclear triad.
India can launch nuclear weapons by land (missiles), air (bombers), and sea (submarines), making its deterrent credible and complete.
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5. The Indian Navy operates INS Vikramaditya—one of Asia’s largest aircraft carriers.
This 45,000-ton floating airbase adds immense power projection capability to India’s maritime strength.
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6. India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, is fully operational.
Commissioned in 2022, it marked a significant milestone in self-reliant defense manufacturing.
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7. India successfully carried out its first nuclear test in 1974.
Codenamed “Smiling Buddha,” this test in Pokhran made India the sixth nuclear power in the world.
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8. The Indian Army controls the highest battlefield on Earth—Siachen Glacier.
At over 20,000 feet above sea level, Siachen is both a strategic and symbolic post maintained under extreme conditions.
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9. The Indian Army’s HAWS (High Altitude Warfare School) is world-renowned.
It trains soldiers from countries like the U.S., U.K., Germany, and others in mountain and glacier warfare.
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10. India is the largest arms importer in the world—but is shifting toward indigenization.
With the “Make in India” initiative, the country is steadily reducing dependency on foreign suppliers.
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11. DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) has developed over 1,500 defense products.
From missiles to drones, DRDO plays a central role in strengthening India’s indigenous defense capacity.
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12. The Agni-V missile can hit targets over 5,000 km away.
This intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) gives India long-range strike capability with nuclear warheads.
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13. The Indian Navy’s INS Arihant is a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine.
It is part of India’s second-strike capability, essential for nuclear deterrence.
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14. India’s BrahMos missile is the fastest supersonic cruise missile in the world.
Co-developed with Russia, it can fly at Mach 2.8–3.0 and is extremely difficult to intercept.
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15. India has developed its own stealth fighter prototype—HAL AMCA.
Currently under development, it will compete with 5th-generation jets globally.
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16. Indian Special Forces like Para SF and MARCOS are globally respected.
Known for their tough training and successful operations, these elite units are among the best in Asia.
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17. India operates the world’s third-largest road network for defense movement.
This extensive infrastructure is critical for rapid military deployment, especially in border areas.
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18. The Indian Army has served in over 50 UN peacekeeping missions.
India is one of the largest troop contributors to the United Nations and is known for its discipline and humanitarian focus.
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19. The Indian Air Force rescued over 20,000 civilians during the 2013 Uttarakhand floods.
This was one of the largest humanitarian missions in IAF’s history, showcasing its peacetime capabilities.
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20. India plans to be self-reliant in defense by 2047.
With increasing defense exports and indigenous production, India is marching toward full Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defense.
21. India has a dedicated mountain strike corps.
Specially raised to counter threats in the Himalayan region, this corps is trained for high-altitude warfare and rapid deployment along mountainous borders.
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22. The Indian Army is one of the few forces with an independent Aviation Corps.
They operate light utility helicopters and drones, providing real-time reconnaissance and battlefield support.
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23. India conducts one of the largest joint military exercises in Asia.
Exercises like Yudh Abhyas (with the US) and Malabar (with US, Japan & Australia) strengthen interoperability and strategic ties.
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24. The Border Security Force (BSF) is the world's largest border guarding force.
With over 250,000 personnel, BSF protects India’s borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh.
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25. India has one of the most disciplined armed forces globally.
Despite being among the largest, India’s military has always remained apolitical and loyal to the Constitution.
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26. India’s Air Force can operate from highways in emergencies.
Several stretches of Indian highways have been converted to emergency landing strips for fighter jets like the Sukhoi-30MKI.
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27. The Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) is among Asia’s largest military medical services.
They handle everything from battlefield injuries to disaster relief and even advanced surgeries.
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28. Indian Navy’s MARCOS are trained for sea, air, and land combat.
Often called “Dadhiwala Faujis” (bearded soldiers), they are known for stealth and brutal efficiency.
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29. Indian military satellites like GSAT-7 provide real-time communication across forces.
These defense satellites enable seamless command and control over land, air, and sea operations.
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30. The Indian military has a Cyber Command to handle digital warfare.
Formed to tackle cyber threats, it ensures national security in the virtual domain.
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31. The Indian Army Women Officers now serve in combat roles.
Breaking stereotypes, women are now inducted in artillery, air defense, and even on warships.
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32. India’s Air Force successfully carried out the Balakot airstrike in 2019.
This mission marked a shift in India’s counter-terrorism policy, targeting terror camps deep inside Pakistan.
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33. India’s HAL Tejas is one of the lightest multi-role fighter aircraft in the world.
Indigenously developed, Tejas has already been inducted into the Indian Air Force and Navy.
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34. Indian defense exports have crossed ₹21,000 crore in 2023.
India now exports weapons, helicopters, radars, and defense systems to 85+ countries worldwide.
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35. The Indian Navy patrols a vast maritime zone of over 2 million square kilometers.
Securing vital shipping lanes, the Navy plays a key role in anti-piracy and strategic dominance.
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36. DRDO’s ‘Dhanush’ artillery gun is a fully indigenous weapon system.
It boosts India's firepower along the borders and is a symbol of self-reliance.
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37. India has one of the world's best tank regiments—the Armoured Corps.
Operating T-90 ‘Bhishma’ and Arjun MBT tanks, they form the backbone of India’s land offensive capabilities.
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38. The Indian Navy has developed INS Chakra, a nuclear-powered attack submarine.
Leased from Russia, this submarine adds underwater strike capability and silent reconnaissance.
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39. India is setting up defense corridors in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.
These corridors are boosting defense manufacturing and job creation under the Make in India scheme.
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40. The President of India is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
All defense decisions, while handled by the government, are constitutionally under the President’s authority.
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41. India operates the world's highest battlefield – Siachen Glacier.
Located at over 20,000 feet, Indian troops endure extreme cold and oxygen scarcity to guard this strategic area against enemy incursions.
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42. India is among the few nations with a tri-service command.
The Andaman and Nicobar Command integrates the Army, Navy, and Air Force under one operational command for better coordination in the Indian Ocean.
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43. Indian Air Force pilots are trained for mid-air refueling.
This extends the range of fighter jets like the Mirage-2000 and Su-30MKI, allowing them to strike deeper into enemy territory.
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44. The Indian Navy uses stealth warships like INS Shivalik.
These modern ships are designed to avoid radar detection, giving India a technological edge in naval warfare.
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45. India is developing its own fifth-generation fighter aircraft – AMCA.
The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft will feature stealth, supercruise, and advanced avionics, competing with global giants like F-35 and Su-57.
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46. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) builds roads in hostile terrains.
From the Himalayas to the Northeast, BRO ensures troop and equipment movement in remote and high-altitude regions.
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47. Indian defense uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) for surveillance.
AI-driven facial recognition, drones, and analytics help detect infiltrations and track movements across borders.
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48. India has a Cold Start Doctrine.
This strategy allows rapid, limited offensive operations against Pakistan without full-scale war, maintaining political and strategic balance.
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49. The Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier INS Vikrant is fully indigenous.
Commissioned in 2022, it's a powerful symbol of India’s growing naval capabilities and self-reliance in defense production.
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50. Para Commandos are trained to operate in any terrain – desert, jungle, mountains.
They specialize in high-risk missions like hostage rescue, cross-border strikes, and sabotage operations.
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51. India’s DRDO has developed anti-drone systems.
These advanced systems can detect, track, and neutralize hostile drones in real time, crucial in modern asymmetric warfare.
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52. Indian Coast Guard is the 4th largest in the world.
It plays a crucial role in coastal security, anti-smuggling operations, and search-and-rescue missions in India’s maritime zones.
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53. India is building a theater command system.
This system aims to integrate the Army, Navy, and Air Force under unified commands for more efficient defense operations.
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54. The Indian defense budget is among the top 5 globally.
India invests heavily in military modernization, indigenous production, and strategic deterrence capabilities.
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55. Indian soldiers use night-vision equipment in border areas.
This allows 24/7 surveillance and operations, especially in critical areas like LOC and LAC.
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56. The Indian Army has specialized engineering units.
They build bridges, clear mines, and construct bunkers in hostile terrain during wartime or disaster situations.
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57. India possesses cruise missiles like Nirbhay and BrahMos.
BrahMos, a joint venture with Russia, is one of the fastest and most accurate supersonic missiles in the world.
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58. The Indian Army participates in UN peacekeeping missions.
India is one of the largest contributors to UN forces, reflecting its global commitment to peace and security.
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59. Indian soldiers undergo survival training in extreme conditions.
From snow to deserts, they are trained to survive with minimal resources and still carry out their missions effectively.
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60. India is developing Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs).
These laser-based systems can destroy enemy drones, missiles, and vehicles silently and with pinpoint accuracy.
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61. Indian Army uses bulletproof jackets developed by DRDO.
These indigenous jackets are lightweight and provide protection against AK-47 and INSAS rifles, boosting soldier survivability.
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62. India’s military satellite GSAT-7A enhances communication for the Air Force.
This satellite supports real-time coordination between aircraft and ground stations across the country.
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63. Indian Armed Forces use thermal imaging devices at border posts.
These devices help detect enemy movement during night and low-visibility conditions.
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64. India has a Nuclear Command Authority (NCA).
This body ensures responsible command and control over the country’s nuclear arsenal, with the Prime Minister at its top.
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65. The Indian Navy conducts regular anti-piracy missions in the Arabian Sea.
These operations protect Indian cargo ships and international maritime trade routes.
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66. India has developed its own loitering munitions.
These are drone-based explosive systems that hover over enemy zones and strike targets with precision.
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67. The Indian Air Force uses AWACS for airborne surveillance.
The Airborne Warning and Control System monitors enemy aircraft and guides friendly fighters during missions.
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68. India has inducted Apache and Chinook helicopters.
Apaches provide advanced attack capability, while Chinooks transport troops and heavy equipment even in mountainous regions.
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69. Indian Army’s dog squads play a critical role in border security.
These highly trained dogs assist in bomb detection, search missions, and sniffing out intrusions.
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70. India has a dedicated Defence Cyber Agency.
It protects the nation’s digital infrastructure from cyber warfare and foreign hacking attempts.
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71. The Indian Army conducts regular joint exercises with foreign forces.
These include exercises like Yudh Abhyas (with USA) and Indra (with Russia), enhancing global military cooperation.
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72. Indian Navy’s P-8I Poseidon aircraft provides deep-sea surveillance.
Equipped with advanced sensors and torpedoes, it can detect submarines and surface threats from thousands of kilometers away.
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73. India maintains an elite mountain warfare division.
Specialized troops are trained to fight in snow-covered high-altitude regions like Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.
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74. The Indian Air Force uses Sukhoi Su-30MKI as its primary multirole fighter.
It can carry nuclear payloads and operate in all weather conditions, offering air dominance in combat scenarios.
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75. The Indian Army uses indigenous artillery systems like Dhanush.
This modern howitzer enhances long-range firepower and is a Make-in-India success story.
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76. India has deployed mobile missile launchers for quick response.
These truck-mounted launchers can be moved rapidly to strategic positions during tension or conflict.
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77. The Indian Navy’s MARCOS are trained similar to Navy SEALs.
They specialize in underwater assault, hostage rescue, and sabotage in enemy territory.
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78. India developed the Astra missile for air-to-air combat.
It can target enemy aircraft beyond visual range with high accuracy and speed.
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79. Indian Defence Forces regularly use satellite imagery for surveillance.
This enables tracking of enemy buildup, construction, and movement across hostile borders.
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80. The Indian Army has started using 3D-printed bunkers.
These quick-build, strong structures offer protection to soldiers in remote and hostile locations.
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81. Indian Army has developed Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) for rapid deployment.
These are swift, self-contained units that can be mobilized quickly during any conflict or emergency, ensuring a faster and more organized military response in both offensive and defensive operations.
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82. India successfully conducts regular test-firing of its nuclear-capable missiles.
Missiles like Agni and Prithvi undergo rigorous trials under real-time conditions to maintain strategic deterrence and ensure reliability in case of a potential threat.
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83. Indian Armed Forces participate in UN Peacekeeping Missions globally.
India is one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping operations, sending thousands of troops to war-torn regions to promote peace and stability.
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84. Indian Air Force uses a secure and encrypted communication network known as AFNET.
This digital communication backbone links all Air Force bases and airborne assets securely, enhancing operational efficiency and cyber security.
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85. DRDO is developing next-generation stealth technology for future aircraft.
This includes radar-absorbing materials and smart design structures that reduce detection by enemy radar, improving survivability in hostile environments.
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86. India is working on a Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system.
This advanced system is designed to detect, intercept, and destroy incoming enemy missiles at both high and low altitudes, making India one of the few countries pursuing such a shield.
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87. Indian Navy’s submarine fleet includes nuclear-powered submarines like INS Arihant.
These submarines can stay underwater for months, carry ballistic missiles, and are a vital part of India's nuclear triad ensuring second-strike capability.
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88. The Indian Army has upgraded its infantry weapons with American SIG716 rifles.
These rifles have replaced the outdated INSAS rifles, offering better accuracy, reliability, and performance in battlefield conditions.
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89. India has launched an indigenous drone program for reconnaissance and combat.
With drones like Rustom and Tapas-BH, Indian forces now have enhanced surveillance capabilities across difficult terrains and sensitive borders.
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90. India has a tri-service command base in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
This strategic command enables coordination between Army, Navy, and Air Force, protecting vital sea lanes and countering China's presence in the Indo-Pacific.
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91. India’s defence budget is among the top five in the world.
This reflects the country's focus on strengthening its military infrastructure, purchasing advanced weaponry, and modernizing its defence forces to match global standards.
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92. The Indian Coast Guard protects the vast 7,500 km long Indian coastline.
They play a crucial role in maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, anti-smuggling operations, and coastal security, especially after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
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93. Indian Armed Forces conduct regular mock war drills with neighbouring countries.
Exercises with countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan improve regional security cooperation and readiness during natural disasters or conflicts.
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94. India is developing a long-range surface-to-air missile system called XR-SAM.
This missile system will bridge the gap between medium-range and ballistic missile defence, capable of intercepting multiple aerial targets simultaneously.
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95. The Defence Space Agency (DSA) ensures India’s assets in space are protected.
With increasing threats to satellites, DSA monitors, defends, and plans counter-space operations to secure India’s strategic interests in orbit.
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96. India trains female soldiers for combat support and special operations roles.
Women officers now serve in artillery, aviation, and even join special forces, reflecting a shift towards a gender-inclusive defence system.
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97. India maintains a special corps for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) defence.
These specialized units are trained to handle nuclear threats and biochemical warfare, equipped with protective gear and decontamination tools.
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98. Indigenous light combat helicopter (LCH) Prachand was inducted into IAF.
Designed for high-altitude warfare, this helicopter is capable of carrying out anti-tank missions, air defense, and support in the Himalayas.
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99. The Indian Armed Forces have welfare schemes like ECHS and CSD.
Schemes like Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) and Canteen Stores Department (CSD) support the health and economic needs of serving and retired soldiers.
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100. India’s defence exports are rising, reaching over ₹21,000 crore in 2023.
From missiles and radar systems to personal protective equipment, India is now a global supplier of defence products, promoting 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' in defence manufacturing.
India’s defence system is not just about weapons and warfare—it’s about bravery, strategy, innovation, and dedication to protecting over a billion lives. These 100 facts barely scratch the surface of the immense legacy and power of our armed forces. As we salute every soldier and scientist working behind the scenes, let’s remember that national security is a shared responsibility. Stay informed, stay proud, and never forget the sacrifices made to keep our tricolour flying high.
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