The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Friday approved a series of proposals worth around Rs 52,000 crore to strengthen the operational readiness and combat capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces.
The approvals cover the acquisition of advanced weapons, ammunition, air defence systems, anti-drone technologies, unmanned platforms and naval equipment for the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. The DAC’s clearance serves as an in-principle administrative approval, marking the first stage of the defence procurement process.
Army to Get Anti-Drone Systems, Guided Missiles and Kamikaze Drones
Among the key acquisitions approved for the Indian Army are the Anti-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Electronic Warfare System Akash Tarang, Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) systems, Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) weapon systems, Very Short-Range Air Defence Systems (V-SHORADS), Active Protection Systems for tanks and jet-powered kamikaze drones.
According to the Defence Ministry, the Akash Tarang system will provide protection against hostile drones and other unmanned aerial threats, a capability that has become increasingly important in modern warfare.
The indigenous MPATGM is expected to enhance the Army’s ability to destroy enemy armoured and mechanised formations, while the MRSAM system will strengthen India’s layered air defence network by protecting against a range of aerial threats, including stand-off weapons.
The V-SHORADS system, equipped with multi-spectral sensing technology, is designed to improve resilience against countermeasures while enhancing short-range air defence capabilities.
The approved Active Protection System will improve the survivability of tanks by detecting and intercepting incoming anti-tank threats before impact.
The DAC also cleared the procurement of jet-powered kamikaze drones, which are capable of carrying out precision strikes while offering enhanced electronic warfare capabilities, improved survivability and greater cost-effectiveness.
Navy to Strengthen Maritime Surveillance and Mine Warfare
For the Indian Navy, the council approved the procurement of Multi-Influence Ground Mines (MIGM), Naval Shipborne Unmanned Aerial Systems (NSUAS) and the establishment of a Land-Based Testing Facility (LBTF)for electric propulsion systems.
The MIGM will enhance the Navy’s mine warfare capabilities by limiting the movement of adversary vessels in strategically important maritime areas.
The NSUAS platforms, equipped with advanced sensors, are expected to significantly improve maritime surveillance and domain awareness, enabling naval commanders to maintain a comprehensive operational picture across critical sea lanes.
The proposed Land-Based Testing Facility will support the testing and validation of motors and propulsion systems for future naval platforms, contributing to the development of next-generation electric propulsion technologies.
Air Force Gets High-Altitude Surveillance Platform
The DAC also approved the acquisition of Fixed-Wing High-Altitude Pseudo Satellites (FW-HAPS) and other systems for the Indian Air Force.
Designed to operate at high altitudes for extended periods, the FW-HAPS platform will provide persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. In addition to surveillance, it can support telecommunications and remote-sensing missions, enabling the Air Force to continuously monitor large operational areas.
Push for Military Modernisation and Self-Reliance
The latest approvals come as India continues to modernise its military in response to evolving regional security challenges and the increasing role of drones, autonomous platforms, electronic warfare systems and advanced air defence technologies.
Defence officials said the proposed acquisitions are intended to enhance the operational readiness, firepower and survivability of the armed forces while supporting India’s long-term objective of boosting indigenous defence manufacturing and reducing dependence on imported military equipment.
Following the DAC’s approval, the proposals will now move to the next stages of the procurement process before contracts are finalised.
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