The Cold War arms race was a period of intense military competition between the United States and the Soviet Union that lasted from the late 1940s to the early 1990s. This rivalry drove both superpowers to develop increasingly sophisticated and destructive weapons systems.
During this period, India maintained a policy of non-alignment and focused on developing its own indigenous defense industry. Indian companies like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited （HAL） produced aircraft such as the HF-24 Marut fighter jet, while Bharat Electronics Limited （BEL） developed radar and communication systems for the Indian armed forces.
Other notable Indian defense products included the INSAS rifle manufactured by the Ordnance Factory Board, Vijayanta tanks produced by Heavy Vehicles Factory, and various naval vessels built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders. These indigenous developments helped India maintain its strategic autonomy during the Cold War era. |
