Our Bureau
New Delhi
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Monday approved defence procurement proposals worth approximately ₹2.12 lakh crore to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, with around 82 per cent of the proposed acquisitions expected to be sourced from Indian industry.
The approvals cover a wide range of military equipment, including artillery guns, helicopters, air defence systems, surveillance drones, counter-drone technology and naval platforms. The move aims to enhance combat readiness, improve battlefield surveillance and address emerging security threats.
For the Indian Army, the proposals include high-mobility vehicles, self-propelled tracked gun systems, gunshot response systems, light multi-role helicopters and very short-range air defence systems. The council also cleared long-range kamikaze drones, surveillance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), integrated surveillance and strike systems, and counter-drone systems designed to improve tank survivability.
The Indian Navy received approval for active offboard decoy systems to strengthen protection against modern anti-ship missiles, along with other major naval platforms to enhance its combat capabilities.
For the Indian Air Force, the proposals include helicopters, air defence systems, weapons and mobile X-band Doppler weather radars. Special utility helicopters are expected to meet critical air transport requirements, while the radars will provide high-resolution, localised weather surveillance in forward areas.
According to the Defence Ministry, the self-propelled tracked gun systems will improve mobility and firepower for mechanised formations, while high-mobility vehicles will strengthen logistics and operations in challenging terrain. The proposed short-range air defence systems will help counter emerging aerial threats.
The approvals were granted under the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) framework, which provides in-principle clearance for proposed acquisitions and precedes further procurement procedures. The decisions reinforce India’s push towards domestic defence manufacturing and self-reliance while equipping its armed forces with modern technologies.