To bolster national security and foster self-reliance, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)—chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh—has granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisition proposals worth an estimated Rs 2,12,000 crore.
Demonstrating a firm commitment to the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative, an impressive 82 per cent of these total procurements will be sourced directly from the domestic Indian defence industry.
The latest tranche of approvals aims to comprehensively modernise the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, drastically enhancing their operational readiness and strengthening the nation’s indigenous industrial base.
Empowering the Indian Army: From Kamikaze Drones to High Mobility Vehicles
To meet the rigorous demands of modern warfare and challenging terrains, the Indian Army has received the nod to procure an advanced suite of tactical equipment and weaponry:
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Long-Range Kamikaze Drone Systems & UAVs: Strengthening long-range precision-strike capabilities alongside specialised surveillance and Brick Long-Range unmanned systems.
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Light Multi Role Helicopters (LMRH) & High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs): Enhancing operational mobility, logistics, and critical support in remote regions, as well as enabling search, rescue, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions.
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Self-Propelled Tracked Gun Systems & GSRS: Providing mechanised formations with superior firepower, matching mobility, and real-time situational awareness via Gun Shot Response Systems.
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Air Defence & Protection Systems: Procuring Very Short-Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS) to counter next-gen aerial threats, alongside Platform-Based Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) to safeguard frontline tanks.
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Integrated Surveillance & Strike Systems: Merging target acquisition with high-impact strike operations.
Upgrading Maritime Might and Air Dominance
The Indian Navy is set to receive a significant combat upgrade through the procurement of indigenously designed and constructed major naval platforms equipped with next-gen warfare capabilities. Additionally, the approval for the Active Offboard Decoy System (AODS) will provide a robust shield against sophisticated anti-ship missiles deployed by adversaries.
Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is expanding its tactical edge with new acquisitions, including advanced helicopters, cutting-edge air defence systems, and precision weapons. Notably, the introduction of Special Utility Helicopters will fulfil crucial air transport needs, while the deployment of Mobile X-Band Doppler Weather Radar Systems will ensure high-resolution, localised weather tracking in critical forward operating areas.
Coming on the heels of a Rs 1.10 lakh crore military procurement clearance in September, this latest multi-billion-dollar push underscores India’s accelerated transition toward becoming a global hub for indigenous defence manufacturing and technological superiority.
