Defence Acquisition Council Clears ₹79,000-Crore Military Procurement to Boost India’s Combat Readiness
In a significant step towards strengthening India’s military capabilities, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Monday approved capital acquisition...
In a significant step towards strengthening India’s military capabilities, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Monday approved capital acquisition proposals worth approximately ₹79,000 crore for the Army, Navy and Air Force. The clearances were granted through Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), the first formal stage in India’s defence procurement process.
The Ministry of Defence said the approvals reflect the government’s focus on modernisation, technological superiority and enhanced preparedness across all three services amid evolving security challenges.
Army to Get Advanced Missiles, Drones and Counter-Drone Systems
For the Indian Army, the DAC approved a range of critical systems aimed at improving battlefield effectiveness and air defence.
These include Loiter Munition Systems for artillery units, which will allow forces to carry out precise strikes against tactical targets with minimal collateral damage. Low Level Light Weight Radars were also cleared to strengthen the detection and tracking of small, low-flying threats such as drones and unmanned aerial vehicles, which have emerged as a growing concern in modern conflicts.
The council also approved the procurement of Long Range Guided Rocket Ammunition for the indigenous Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System. These guided rockets will significantly enhance the range and accuracy of Pinaka, enabling the Army to strike high-value targets deeper inside hostile territory.
In addition, the Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDD&IS) Mk-II was approved. With an improved operational range, the system is expected to reinforce the protection of critical military installations and key assets in both forward areas and the hinterland.
Navy Focuses on Maritime Awareness and Operational Support
For the Indian Navy, the DAC accorded AoN for the procurement of Bollard Pull (BP) Tugs, which play a vital role in assisting warships and submarines during berthing, unberthing and manoeuvring within restricted harbour spaces.
The council also approved High Frequency Software Defined Radio (HF SDR) Manpack systems, designed to enhance secure, long-range communication during boarding operations, amphibious tasks and other expeditionary missions.
A major approval for the Navy was the leasing of High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems. These platforms will provide persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, significantly improving India’s maritime domain awareness across the Indian Ocean Region, a key strategic priority given increasing naval activity in the region.
Air Force Gets Missiles, Simulators and Precision Strike Enhancements
For the Indian Air Force, the DAC cleared several proposals aimed at boosting both combat capability and flight safety.
Among them is the Automatic Take-off and Landing Recording System, which will enable high-definition, all-weather recording of critical flight phases, enhancing aviation safety and post-flight analysis.
The approval of Astra Mk-II beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles marks a major capability upgrade. With a longer engagement range, these missiles will allow IAF fighter aircraft to target adversaries from greater distances, strengthening air dominance.
The DAC also approved Full Mission Simulators for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. These simulators will provide pilots with advanced, realistic training in a safe and cost-effective environment. In addition, SPICE-1000 long-range guidance kits were cleared, enhancing the Air Force’s precision strike capability against fortified and high-value targets.
Strategic Significance
Defence analysts say the latest approvals underscore India’s emphasis on indigenous systems, advanced surveillance, precision weaponry and counter-drone measures. The focus on joint modernisation across the Army, Navy and Air Force also reflects lessons drawn from recent global conflicts, where technology, situational awareness and precision strikes have played decisive roles.
With the AoN now granted, the procurement proposals will move to the next stages of the acquisition process. The Defence Ministry reiterated that these approvals are aligned with India’s long-term goal of building a technologically advanced, self-reliant and combat-ready military capable of addressing both conventional and emerging security threats.