New Delhi |: The Government of India has announced that an extensive modernisation programme for the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) has significantly enhanced their operational capabilities, enabling them to respond more effectively to border security threats, counter-terrorism operations, anti-Naxal missions, and other internal security challenges.
Responding to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai informed Parliament that the government is implementing Modernisation Scheme-IV, a centrally funded initiative with a total financial outlay of ₹1,523 crore.
The programme aims to equip CAPFs with state-of-the-art weapons, advanced surveillance systems, secure communication technologies, mobility platforms, and modern protective equipment to improve operational readiness across the country.
Modernisation Improves Operational Preparedness
According to the minister, the modernisation drive has substantially improved the forces’ capabilities in several critical areas, including:
- Operational readiness
- Mobility
- Situational awareness
- Intelligence gathering
- Surveillance
- Rapid response capabilities
He said these improvements have strengthened the ability of CAPFs to tackle evolving security threats such as:
- Cross-border infiltration
- Terrorism
- Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)
- Insurgency
- Internal security operations
Government Significantly Increased Funding
Parliamentary data presented by the government shows a steady rise in funding allocated for CAPF modernisation over recent years.
The annual allocations are as follows:
| Financial Year | Allocation |
|---|---|
| 2022–23 | ₹104.46 crore |
| 2023–24 | ₹111.27 crore |
| 2024–25 | ₹181.21 crore |
| 2025–26 | ₹521.24 crore |
| 2026–27 (Current FY) | ₹363.45 crore |
The government informed Parliament that as of July 26, 2026, ₹92.85 crore had already been spent during the current financial year.
Officials stated that the increased expenditure reflects accelerated procurement of modern operational equipment across the CAPFs.
CRPF Receives the Largest Allocation
Among all CAPFs, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) received the highest allocation under the modernisation programme.
The force has been allocated a total of ₹463.96 crore, reflecting its critical role in:
- Anti-Naxal operations
- Counter-insurgency missions
- Internal security duties
During 2025–26, the CRPF alone spent ₹140.08 crore on modernisation initiatives, highlighting the government’s emphasis on strengthening its operational effectiveness.
BSF Upgrades Border Surveillance
The Border Security Force (BSF), responsible for guarding India’s borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh, has received funding amounting to ₹355.66 crore.
The government noted that after relatively modest allocations during earlier years, the BSF received ₹153.69 crore in 2025–26 and utilized ₹153.04 crore, indicating rapid upgrades in:
- Border surveillance
- Mobility systems
- Protective infrastructure
- Operational equipment
Investment in Other Security Forces
The government also highlighted significant investments in other CAPFs:
- Assam Rifles: ₹218.15 crore
- Central Industrial Security Force (CISF): ₹141.73 crore
- Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB): ₹138.88 crore
- Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP): ₹116 crore
- National Security Guard (NSG): ₹88.62 crore
The Assam Rifles, deployed along the India–Myanmar border and in counter-insurgency operations in the Northeast, has already utilized ₹32.89 crore out of its current allocation of ₹88.98 crore during this financial year.
Advanced Equipment Being Procured
Under the modernisation programme, CAPFs are being equipped with a wide range of advanced technologies and operational systems, including:
- Modern assault rifles
- Glock pistols with Corner Shot systems
- Advanced ammunition
- Thermal imagers
- Passive night vision goggles
- Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
- Drones
- Secure communication systems
- Hyper-converged infrastructure servers
- Networking equipment
- Digital command-and-control platforms
These technologies are intended to improve surveillance, intelligence gathering, and operational coordination in diverse security environments.
Enhanced Mobility in Challenging Terrain
The government stated that the forces are also receiving advanced mobility platforms, including:
- Medium and light bulletproof vehicles
- Mine-Protected Vehicles (MPVs)
- Armoured vehicles
- Emergency rescue fire tenders
- Inflatable boats
These assets are expected to significantly improve mobility and operational reach in:
- Border regions
- Dense forests
- Naxal-affected districts
- Mountainous terrain
- Remote operational zones
Greater Protection for Security Personnel
To improve the safety of personnel deployed in high-risk operations, the government has supplied CAPFs with:
- Bullet-resistant jackets
- Ballistic helmets
- Protective shields
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Specialized units are also being equipped with:
- IED detection and disposal equipment
- Bomb disposal systems
- Rescue equipment
- Advanced tactical gear
Additionally, investments have been made in:
- Modern training facilities
- Logistics infrastructure
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems
- Maintenance facilities
Strengthening National Security
According to Minister of State Nityanand Rai, the modernisation programme has transformed the operational effectiveness of the CAPFs by improving surveillance, communication, intelligence gathering, and rapid response capabilities.
He said the upgraded equipment and infrastructure have enhanced the forces’ ability to:
- Protect India’s international borders
- Conduct counter-insurgency operations in the Northeast
- Lead anti-Naxal campaigns in Left-Wing Extremism-affected states
- Respond more effectively to evolving internal security threats
The government maintained that continued investments in technology, mobility, protective equipment, and infrastructure will ensure that India’s Central Armed Police Forces remain better prepared to address emerging security challenges while safeguarding national security and public safety.
