As a consequence of the global climate crisis, the defence industry is undergoing a quiet revolution. It is moving forward to ensure sustainability and make military operations more efficient.
The trials of modern times navigate a complex landscape of security. The very measures that protect nations may also imperil the planet. Defence and sustainability are concepts which seem to be different from each other. While the former is associated with security, the latter is environmental advocacy. Defence is primarily for a country, whereas sustainability is a responsibility shared among nations. As sustainable growth becomes a necessity rather than an ambitious goal, promoting environmental consciousness in the military is of vital importance, given its role as a principal energy and resource consumer.
War & Waste: Why Defence Needs a Sustainability Revolution
A need for balance arises as the defence industry is responsible for a significant proportion of greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, and waste generation. According to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) estimates, global defence emissions contribute to more than five per cent of total greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to the combined emissions of maritime transportation and aviation. Military aircraft, naval vessels, ground vehicles, and the manufacturing processes of military equipment—heavily reliant on fossil fuels—are key drivers of the defence industry's carbon footprint. However, precise information on military emissions is rarely accessible due to a lack of accountability and adequate reporting. Climate change, environmental degradation, and resource depletion all present significant security challenges globally.
Forging a Greener Future: Global Efforts in Sustainable Defence
The militaries of various nations are realizing the need to adopt sustainable tactics as concerns over energy security and climate change mount. Defence sustainability is becoming a strategic imperative, spanning from green infrastructure to renewable energy. Although no universal treaty—such as the Paris Climate Agreement—exists specifically for sustainability in the military sector, numerous efforts acknowledge the critical role of defence sustainability.
Among the frontrunners, the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence (MoD) aims to achieve net-zero emissions across all its operations and infrastructure by 2040 as part of its defence sustainability strategy. A key initiative is the Defence Supply Chain Strategy (DSCS), which involves redesigning supply chains to better handle external challenges and climate-related risks. The UK government is moving towards a circular economy, reusing resources to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment, guided by the Circular Economy Taskforce, which operates in phases with well-defined goals.
Australia's Defence Environmental Vision (2016–2036) is designed to allocate resources towards environmental management priorities within the defence sector. The Australian Defence Environmental Policy, Strategy, and Plan outline five strategic objectives: providing a sustainable estate, managing environmental effects, reducing pollution hazards, enhancing resource efficiency, and identifying and managing heritage values. By meeting these objectives, it aims to expand on existing programs, ensure environmentally friendly operations, and conserve indigenous vegetation and wildlife, recognizing that the defence sector is one of Australia's largest landholders.
The United States Department of Defence (DoD) is adopting energy-saving technologies and renewable energy to reduce its carbon footprint. Initiatives include net-zero emissions buildings, sustainable military installations, and transitioning to a climate- and sustainability-focused workforce. Additionally, the DoD integrates environmental justice principles to support its sustainability objectives.
The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and the United Nations (UN) have long emphasized defence sustainability. In 2021, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg addressed climate-related security threats at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26). NATO's Green Defence Framework, endorsed in 2014, aims to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact across member states. Since 2008, the UN and NATO have collaborated on environmental protection and sustainable development under a framework partnership agreement.
To reduce the environmental footprint of aviation, organizations such as Safran and General Electric are developing more efficient technologies, including alternative fuels, advanced propulsion systems, and artificial intelligence-driven optimizations.
Forging a Greener Battlefield: India’s Bold Strides in Defence Sustainability
India ranks 109th in the United Nations Sustainable Development Report, with a score of 63.99, indicating moderate progress. Although India is the world’s most populous country, its emissions rank third globally, behind China and the United States. However, India’s per capita emissions remain low at around 2 tonnes—less than half the global average of 4.6 tonnes. India has improved significantly on SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), progressing from a score of 51 in 2018 to 96 in 2023–2024.
India aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 and increase non-fossil fuel-based power generation capacity to 500 GW by 2030. These goals reflect in the sustainability initiatives undertaken by India’s defence sector. The Ecological Task Force (ETF) battalions have planted over six crore seedlings across more than 70,000 hectares to restore degraded defence lands. To decrease reliance on fossil fuels, the Indian Navy and Army have established solar energy facilities, including a 3-megawatt plant at the Indian Naval Academy and a green solar facility in Sikkim.
The Indian Armed Forces are actively addressing environmental concerns, including waste management initiatives such as solid waste removal from the Siachen Glacier, biogas plants, compost pits, and recycling units. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has introduced clean technologies, including biodigester units and biofuel-powered warships, to mitigate climate change effects. The Indian Army’s "Apashisht Mukt Sainya Abhiyan" (AMSA) aims to make military stations landfill-free by March 2027, promoting waste segregation, recycling, and sustainable disposal methods.
The army is transitioning to electric vehicles, with plans to introduce electric buses, cars, and motorcycles across military stations. Additionally, it is exploring hydrogen fuel cell technology to further reduce carbon emissions. The Army has signed MoUs with the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Renewable Energy Limited and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) to develop green hydrogen-based microgrid power plants and introduce hydrogen fuel cell-powered buses.
As a global military power, India plays a critical role in ensuring regional security while pursuing sustainability. The government has set ambitious targets of ₹3 lakh crore in defence production and ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029. With sustainability integrated into defence planning, the industry is expected to contribute significantly to India's renewable energy goals.
The Indian government has increased DRDO’s budget to ₹26,816.82 crore for 2025–26, with ₹14,923.82 crore allocated for capital expenditure and R&D projects. This funding will enable DRDO to develop cutting-edge technologies, fostering collaboration with private enterprises. It aligns with the vision of "Viksit Bharat @ 2047"—a developed and self-reliant India by 2047—and the objective of building "Atmanirbhar Armed Forces" equipped with indigenously developed advanced systems. The Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) scheme further strengthens this vision by promoting start-ups and technological advancements in the defence sector.
Forging the Future
As part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, and Start-Up India initiatives, private players are encouraged to contribute to a self-reliant defence ecosystem. Companies adopting sustainable practices are well-positioned to lead in an industry increasingly focused on green solutions. Leveraging artificial intelligence, investing in eco-friendly materials, optimizing supply chains, and fostering Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) will be instrumental in achieving sustainable defence operations. Encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation will further drive advanced defence technology development.
The shield of defence, a symbol of strength and protection, now also bears the weight of responsibility. As we strive for a more sustainable future, the defence sector must evolve and embrace a new paradigm that balances security with the nurturing of the earth. In conclusion, encouraging defence sustainability encourages cooperation, knowledge sharing, and collaboration, thereby improving security and stability. The competency of the Indian defence sector's industry hinges on its sustainability efforts, which dictate strategic excellence and environmental responsibility in the long run. India's quest for self-reliance in defence manufacturing is expected with the inclusion of the private sector and the public sector. By tapping into a vast pool of talent, technology, resources, and fresh initiatives, India is poised to take on the very crucial and evolving challenge of defence sustainability.
About the author
Ilakkiya Sathish is a Master's degree holder in Economics with a passion for exploring the intersection of economic development and environmental sustainability. A writer and research analyst, she engages in analysing economic issues and communicating them in an engaging and accessible manner. Views are personal.
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