India has taken a major step to strengthen its national security framework, with the Defence Acquisition Council approving defence procurements worth ₹2.38 lakh crore.
The decision includes advanced air defence systems, drones, transport aircraft, and artillery upgrades aimed at enhancing the country’s military capabilities.
The approvals were granted under the leadership of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, marking one of the largest defence expansion initiatives in recent years.
S-400 Systems to Anchor Air Defence
A key highlight of the package is the procurement of five additional units of the S-400 Triumf air defence system. This will increase the total number of S-400 units deployed by the Indian Air Force to ten.
The system is capable of detecting, tracking, and neutralising enemy aircraft, missiles, and drones at long ranges. It is expected to play a central role in India’s proposed national air defence shield under Mission Sudarshan Chakra, which aims to safeguard critical military and civilian infrastructure.
Boost to Drone Warfare and Surveillance
The Defence Acquisition Council also cleared the induction of remotely piloted strike aircraft, commonly known as unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs). These platforms will enable precision strikes without risking personnel and significantly enhance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations.
The addition of these systems reflects India’s focus on modern, technology-driven warfare capabilities.
Transport Aircraft to Enhance Mobility
To strengthen logistics and rapid deployment capabilities, the government has approved the procurement of 60 medium transport aircraft. These aircraft will replace ageing fleets and improve the armed forces’ ability to carry out strategic and tactical airlift operations.
Major global aerospace companies, including Lockheed Martin, Embraer, and Airbus Defence and Space, are expected to compete for the contract, with a focus on domestic manufacturing under the “Make in India” initiative.
