Defence Acquisition Council Sanctions ₹79,000 Crore to Enhance Combat and Logistic Capabilities of Indian Armed Forces
In a significant move to bolster India's defense capabilities and self-reliance, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved capital acquisition proposals totaling approximately ₹79,000 crore for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force on Thursday.
The meeting, conducted at South Block in New Delhi, focused on enhancing the operational readiness of the Armed Forces with advanced indigenous systems, in line with the government's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
For the Indian Army
The DAC granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for several crucial procurements, including the Nag Missile System (Tracked) Mk-II (NAMIS), Ground-Based Mobile ELINT System (GBMES), and High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs) equipped with material-handling cranes.
| The NAMIS (Tracked) will greatly enhance the Army's capability to neutralise enemy combat vehicles, bunkers, and field fortifications. |
| The GBMES will offer round-the-clock electronic intelligence on adversary emitters, bolstering surveillance and electronic warfare abilities. |
| The introduction of HMVs will improve logistics and mobility across varied terrains, supporting sustainment operations for troops deployed forward. |
For the Indian Navy
The Navy received approval to acquire Landing Platform Docks (LPDs), 30mm Naval Surface Guns (NSGs), Advanced Lightweight Torpedoes (ALWT), Electro-Optical Infrared Search and Track (EOIRST) Systems, and Smart Ammunition for 76mm Super Rapid Gun Mounts.
| The LPDs will enhance the Navy's capability in amphibious warfare and joint operations with the Army and Air Force. |
| The ALWT, developed indigenously by DRDO's Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, can target conventional, nuclear, and midget submarines, advancing India's undersea warfare capabilities. |
| The 30mm NSGs will strengthen anti-piracy and low-intensity maritime operations for the Navy and Coast Guard. |
For the Indian Air Force
The DAC approved the proposal for the Collaborative Long Range Target Saturation/Destruction System (CLRTS/DS) along with other advanced projects. The CLRTS/DS system is designed for autonomous take-off, navigation, target detection, and payload delivery, significantly enhancing the IAF's capability for deep-strike and precision engagements.
Strategic Significance
The approvals highlight India's dedication to modernizing its military through domestic innovation, technology integration, and operational synergy across the three services. The ₹79,000 crore investment will not only reinforce frontline readiness but also drive significant growth for domestic defense manufacturers.
The Defence Ministry emphasized that all acquisitions will focus on Indian-designed, developed, and manufactured systems, reinforcing the nation's strategic autonomy and fostering defense-industrial expansion.
