India Approves ₹79,000-Crore Defence Acquisition for Armed Forces Modernisation
In a significant advancement for India's defense capabilities, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved procurement proposals valued at ₹79,000 crore for the nation's armed forces. The decision, made on Monday, will benefit the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as part of ongoing efforts to modernize military operations and enhance combat readiness.
Chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the DAC meeting resulted in the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for various indigenous and capability-enhancing systems. These include advanced technologies such as loiter munitions, anti-drone systems, precision rockets, missiles, aircraft simulators, and maritime surveillance tools.
Indian Army: Precision Strike & Anti-Drone Shield
The Indian Army will see the procurement of several key systems:
| Loiter Munition Systems | To enable precision strikes on tactical targets using artillery regiments. |
| Low Level Light Weight Radars | These will track small, low-altitude unmanned aerial vehicles. |
| Long Range Guided Rocket Ammunition | For the Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System, enhancing range and accuracy. |
| Integrated Drone Detection & Interdiction System (IDD&IS) Mk-II | With improved range to protect key military sites in both tactical and hinterland regions. |
According to the Defence Ministry, these additions will significantly bolster battlefield intelligence, precision firepower, and protection against rising drone threats.
Indian Navy: Maritime Mobility & ISR Boost
The Indian Navy has been cleared to acquire the following:
| Bollard Pull (BP) Tugs | To assist naval vessels in harbour manoeuvres such as berthing and unberthing. |
| High Frequency Software Defined Radios (HF SDR) – Manpack | To enhance secure communication during boarding and landing operations. |
| Leasing of High Altitude Long Range (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) | For sustained Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) across the Indian Ocean. |
Indian Air Force: Missiles, Simulators & Precision Strike
The Indian Air Force is set to procure several advanced systems, including:
| Automatic Take-Off and Landing Recording Systems | Providing high-definition, all-weather recording to improve aerospace safety. |
| Astra Mk-II air-to-air missiles | With extended range to engage enemy aircraft from long distances. |
| Full Mission Simulators for the Tejas | Enhancing pilot training in a cost-effective and safe environment. |
| SPICE-1000 Long-Range Guidance Kits | To significantly boost precision strike capabilities. |
Strategic Significance
The approval of the ₹79,000-crore proposals underscores the government's commitment to promoting indigenization, enhancing capabilities, and preparing for modern warfare. Focus areas include drones, precision-guided munitions, networked communications, and long-range surveillance.
Defence officials noted that these approvals would expedite procurement processes and ensure that the armed forces are equipped to address evolving security challenges across various domains, including land, sea, air, and the electromagnetic spectrum.
