New Delhi: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has cleared defence procurement proposals worth approximately Rs 1.1 lakh crore aimed at strengthening the operational capabilities of India’s armed forces.
The approvals cover a broad range of military equipment and systems for the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, including upgrades for fighter aircraft, transport planes and helicopters, advanced light helicopters, CBRN reconnaissance vehicles, electronic warfare systems and radar technology.
The latest approvals also underline the government’s focus on increasing domestic participation in defence manufacturing, with approximately 98 per cent of the procurements covered by the approved Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) proposals expected to come from Indian industry.
Su-30 Fighters to Get Long-Range Missile Integration
A significant proposal to enhance the Indian Air Force’s combat capabilities involves a pilot project to integrate Russian-origin RVV-BD long-range air-to-air missiles with Sukhoi-30 fighter aircraft.
The proposed integration is aimed at expanding the capabilities of the existing Su-30 fleet by equipping the aircraft with an additional long-range air-to-air weapon capability.
The initiative forms part of India’s broader effort to upgrade existing platforms and improve their operational effectiveness through new weapons and technologies.
DAC Clears Advanced Systems for All Three Services
The DAC has approved a range of requirements covering the Army, Navy and Air Force.
For the Indian Air Force, the council has accorded AoN for a Ground-Based Multi-Purpose Jammer (GBMPJ). The system is intended to provide electronic warfare capabilities, including jamming against adversary radar systems.
For the Army, the approved proposals include advanced light helicopters, CBRN reconnaissance vehicles, high-mobility vehicles and self-propelled mechanical mine layers.
The Navy will receive a boost through proposals for Arudhra radar systems as well as the design, development and subsequent procurement of marine gas turbines (MGTs).
Ground-Based Jammers to Strengthen Electronic Warfare
The proposed GBMPJ is designed to enhance the IAF’s electronic warfare capabilities by providing an ability to interfere with or jam adversary radar systems.
Electronic warfare has become increasingly important in modern military operations, where the ability to detect, disrupt and protect against electronic systems can play a critical role.
The inclusion of the jammer in the latest acquisition approvals is therefore expected to strengthen the IAF’s ability to operate in contested electromagnetic environments.
CBRN Reconnaissance Vehicles for the Army
The Army’s CBRN reconnaissance capability is also set to receive an upgrade.
The proposed CBRN reconnaissance vehicles will be equipped to detect, identify, monitor and mark areas contaminated by chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear agents.
Such specialised vehicles are important for enabling military personnel to identify hazardous areas and support operations in environments affected by CBRN contamination.
Arudhra Radars for Naval Air Stations
The Navy is also set to receive new Arudhra radar systems under the approved proposals.
According to the Defence Ministry, these radars will replace existing air-route surveillance radars at various naval air stations.
The replacement is expected to strengthen air surveillance capabilities and improve monitoring of airspace around naval aviation facilities.
Marine Gas Turbines to Reduce Import Dependence
Another important approval concerns the design, development and subsequent procurement of marine gas turbines for the Indian Navy.
Marine gas turbines are used as propulsion systems on warships. Developing and procuring such systems domestically is expected to reduce the Navy’s dependence on foreign vendors for critical propulsion technology.
The move is therefore significant not only from an operational perspective but also from the standpoint of India’s long-term defence manufacturing capabilities.
High-Mobility Vehicles to Improve Army Operations
The Army’s requirement for high-mobility vehicles has also received approval.
These vehicles are expected to improve the Army’s mobility, logistics support and operational capabilities, particularly in challenging terrains where conventional transportation systems can face limitations.
The DAC has additionally cleared proposals concerning self-propelled mechanical mine layers, which are intended to provide faster and more responsive mine-laying capabilities in difficult operational environments.
98% Procurement Expected From Indian Industry
A major highlight of the latest DAC approvals is the emphasis on domestic defence manufacturing.
The Defence Ministry stated that approximately 98 per cent of the procurements associated with the newly accorded AoNs will be made from Indian industry.
An Acceptance of Necessity is an important initial step in India’s defence procurement process. It indicates that the government has accepted the requirement for a particular military capability, after which the proposal moves through subsequent stages before contracts and actual procurement are completed.
India Targets Rs 3 Lakh Crore Defence Production
The latest procurement decisions come amid India’s broader push to establish a self-reliant defence manufacturing ecosystem.
The government has set a target of achieving Rs 3 lakh crore in annual defence manufacturing by 2029-30. India recorded defence production worth approximately Rs 1.8 lakh crore in 2025-26, according to the information provided by the Defence Ministry.
Over the past few years, the government has introduced several measures to reduce dependence on imported military equipment. These include phased restrictions on the import of selected weapons, systems, ammunition and critical components.
India has also established a dedicated budgetary allocation for procurement from domestic manufacturers and raised the permitted foreign direct investment limit in the defence sector from 49 per cent to 74 per cent.
Push for Atmanirbhar Defence Manufacturing
The high share of Indian industry in the latest acquisition proposals reflects the government’s continuing Atmanirbhar Bharat strategy in defence.
Greater domestic procurement is expected to provide opportunities for Indian defence companies, encourage investment in manufacturing and technology development, and strengthen the country’s ability to design and produce critical military systems.
The latest approvals therefore combine two objectives: enhancing the operational preparedness of the armed forces and reducing long-term dependence on foreign suppliers.
With the DAC clearances now in place, the approved proposals will move through the subsequent stages of India’s defence acquisition process before contracts, development and eventual induction of the systems into the armed forces.
