DAC Grants Approval for ₹52,000 Crore Defence Acquisition to Enhance Combat Capabilities

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for several capital acquisition proposals totaling around ₹52,000 crore. This move is set to substantially boost the combat capabilities of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

For the Indian Army, the DAC has sanctioned the purchase of the Akash Tarang Anti-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Electronic Warfare System, Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) Systems, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) Weapon System, Very Short Range Air Defence System (V-SHORADS), Active Protection System for Tanks, and Jet-Based Kamikaze Drone System.

The Akash Tarang system is expected to enhance anti-drone defenses for army units, while the MPATGM will improve infantry's ability to counter mechanized threats. The MRSAM is designed to provide medium-range air defense against a broad range of aerial threats. The V-SHORADS aims to boost resilience against countermeasures through its multi-spectral sensing capabilities. The Active Protection System is anticipated to significantly increase tank survivability, and the jet-powered kamikaze drones will offer enhanced electronic warfare abilities with increased lethality and operational versatility.

Regarding the Indian Navy, the Council approved the acquisition of the Multi Influence Ground Mine (MIGM), Naval Shipborne Unmanned Aerial System (NSUAS), and the development of a Land Based Testing Facility (LBTF) for electric propulsion systems. These procurements are expected to strengthen maritime denial capabilities, enhance surveillance with advanced unmanned systems, and support the testing of new naval propulsion technologies.

For the Indian Air Force, the DAC has approved the purchase of Fixed-Wing High Altitude Pseudo Satellites (FW-HAPS) along with other initiatives. The FW-HAPS platforms will provide continuous intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), telecommunications support, and remote sensing capabilities, thereby significantly enhancing the IAF's long-duration operational capacity.

These approvals underscore the government's ongoing commitment to bolstering India's defense readiness through the adoption of advanced, predominantly indigenous technologies aimed at improving operational preparedness across all three military services.