In a significant move to strengthen India's military capabilities, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has granted approval for capital acquisition proposals amounting to approximately ₹2.12 lakh crore. The decision, taken during a meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, aims to modernize the armed forces through the induction of advanced weapon systems and platforms across the three services.
According to the ministry, the council accorded the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), which serves as the in-principle administrative approval required for initiating the procurement process. A notable highlight of this approval is the focus on domestic manufacturing, with the government indicating that roughly 82 per cent of the total procurement value will be sourced from the Indian industry, underscoring the push for self-reliance in the defence sector.
For the Indian Army, the approved acquisitions are designed to address various operational needs. These include the procurement of high mobility vehicles, a self-propelled tracked gun system, and a gun shot response system, which the ministry described as a force multiplier for real-time situational awareness. Furthermore, the army is set to receive light multi-role helicopters, very short-range air defence systems (VSHORADS), and counter unmanned aerial systems. The latter is intended to improve the survivability of tanks in modern combat environments.
The package also places a heavy emphasis on unmanned aerial capabilities. The Army will acquire a range of systems, including surveillance aerial vehicles, integrated surveillance and strike systems, and long-range Kamikaze drone systems. These technologies are expected to enhance intelligence, surveillance, and target engagement capabilities across different operational terrains.
The Indian Navy is slated for significant upgrades as well, with the DAC approving the acquisition of active offboard decoy systems and other major naval platforms. The decoy system is designed to bolster anti-missile defences against modern threats. The ministry noted that these indigenously designed platforms will be equipped with modern warfare capabilities to ensure a more robust maritime presence.
The Indian Air Force will also see its fleet and defensive infrastructure enhanced. The government has cleared the purchase of special utility helicopters to address critical air transport requirements, alongside the integration of mobile X-band Doppler weather radar systems. These radars are expected to provide high-resolution, localized weather surveillance, particularly in forward operational areas, aiding the force's overall warfighting capabilities.
The ministry emphasized that the light multi-role helicopters approved in this tranche are intended for joint use by both the Indian Army and the Air Force. These versatile assets will be deployed for diverse missions, including reconnaissance, combat support, troop search and rescue operations, as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.
This massive infusion of capital is expected to provide substantial support to domestic manufacturers while ensuring that the Indian armed forces are equipped with modern-day technology. By prioritizing domestic sourcing for the vast majority of these procurements, the government aims to continue its long-term strategy of reducing dependency on imports while simultaneously fostering growth within the local defence manufacturing ecosystem.
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