New Delhi: In a major boost to India’s military modernisation and indigenous defence manufacturing, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved a series of capital acquisition proposals worth nearly ₹52,000 crore. The approvals cover a wide range of advanced defence equipment for the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force (IAF), with a strong emphasis on enhancing air defence, counter-drone capabilities, surveillance systems, unmanned platforms, and next-generation combat technologies.
The approvals were granted under the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) mechanism, which marks the first and most crucial stage in India’s defence procurement process. An AoN provides the government’s in-principle approval for acquiring military equipment and paves the way for subsequent stages, including the issuance of Requests for Proposal (RFPs), technical evaluations, commercial assessments, and final contract negotiations.
Major Boost for Indian Army’s Combat Capabilities
The Indian Army has received approval for the procurement of several cutting-edge weapon systems aimed at strengthening its operational readiness across multiple domains.
Among the key approvals is the Akash Tarang Anti-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Electronic Warfare System, an indigenous platform designed to detect, jam, and neutralise hostile drones. With drone warfare becoming an increasingly significant challenge in modern conflicts, the system is expected to substantially improve the Army’s ability to counter unmanned aerial threats along sensitive borders and operational zones.
The Defence Acquisition Council has also cleared the procurement of the Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) system. Developed to enhance infantry firepower, the missile system will enable soldiers to effectively engage enemy tanks and armoured vehicles with greater precision and mobility.
Another significant approval is for the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) weapon system, which will strengthen India’s layered air defence architecture by providing protection against a wide range of aerial threats, including aircraft, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles.
To further reinforce low-altitude air defence, the Army will also procure the Very Short-Range Air Defence System (V-SHORADS). Equipped with advanced multi-spectral sensors, the system is designed to remain effective even against sophisticated enemy countermeasures and electronic warfare tactics.
The DAC has additionally approved the acquisition of Active Protection Systems (APS) for tanks. These systems are designed to detect and intercept incoming anti-tank guided missiles before impact, significantly enhancing the survivability of armoured platforms during battlefield operations.
In another step towards modern warfare capabilities, the Army will procure jet-powered kamikaze drone systems, also known as loitering munitions. These unmanned systems combine surveillance with precision strike capability, allowing forces to identify and destroy high-value targets while reducing operational costs and risks to personnel.
Indian Navy to Strengthen Maritime Security
The Indian Navy has also received approvals for several strategic acquisitions aimed at enhancing maritime surveillance, underwater warfare, and indigenous naval technology.
One of the key approvals is for the procurement of Multi Influence Ground Mines (MIGM). These advanced naval mines are intended to strengthen India’s sea-denial capability by restricting the movement of hostile naval assets in strategically important waters.
The Navy will also acquire Naval Shipborne Unmanned Aerial Systems (NSUAS) to improve maritime reconnaissance, surveillance, intelligence gathering, and real-time situational awareness. Equipped with advanced sensors, these unmanned platforms are expected to significantly enhance naval operations across India’s vast maritime domain.
Additionally, the DAC approved the establishment of a Land-Based Testing Facility (LBTF) for electric propulsion systems. The facility will support the development, testing, and validation of next-generation electric propulsion technologies for future Indian naval warships, reducing dependence on imported technologies.
Indian Air Force Gets High-Altitude Surveillance Platform
For the Indian Air Force, the Defence Acquisition Council has approved the procurement of a Fixed-Wing High-Altitude Pseudo Satellite (FW-HAPS) platform.
Operating at extremely high altitudes for extended durations, these platforms function similarly to satellites while offering greater operational flexibility at significantly lower costs. They are expected to strengthen the Air Force’s capabilities in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), secure telecommunications, border monitoring, and remote sensing.
The long-endurance platform will enable persistent surveillance over strategic regions, improving real-time intelligence collection and operational preparedness.
Push for Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
A notable feature of the latest approvals is the continued emphasis on indigenous defence production under the Government of India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
Several of the approved systems, including the Akash Tarang anti-drone system and other advanced military equipment, are expected to be manufactured domestically. This approach aims to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers while strengthening India’s defence industrial base, promoting technological innovation, and generating employment within the domestic defence sector.
The latest approvals reflect India’s continued focus on modernising its armed forces with advanced technologies while building self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Once the procurement process advances through the remaining stages, these systems are expected to significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Army, Navy, and Air Force across conventional and emerging domains of warfare.
