Union Budget 2026: Defense Sector Eyes Massive Boost Post-Operation Sindhur

• Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to present the budget tomorrow, with high anticipation for defense allocations after Operation Sindhur.
• Experts predict significant funding for defense, estimating Rs 7.2-7.5 lakh crore, or 13-14% of the total budget.
• Last year's defense budget was Rs 6.81 lakh crore, but only 26% was capital expenditure for modernization; the rest covered salaries, pensions, and maintenance.
• The focus is on increasing capital expenditure to 30-35% to acquire new weapons, modern technology, and support DRDO and indigenous production.
• Retired military officers advocate for Rs 10-12 lakh crore investment to develop modern warfare equipment, drones, and cyber capabilities for all three forces.

Why It Matters: Union Budget 2026 is expected to significantly increase defense spending, especially capital expenditure, to modernize forces and boost indigenous production post-Operation Sindhur.