India Plans Air Defense Buildup in Confronting China – The China Global South Project

India is planning to spend up to $36 billion in the next seven years to improve its air defenses as part of ongoing hostilities with China and Pakistan, according to the head of its air force. Air Chief Marshall Vivek Ram Chaudhari outlined India’s defense planning at the Indian military’s annual Air Force Day press briefing in New Delhi on Tuesday.

While he emphasized the Indian army’s dynamic operational planning and “tactics and training” in areas “where the adversary cannot be countered in sheer numbers,” he also outlined significant funding outlays that point to a rapid military buildup.