In a major stride toward India’s military modernization, the Centre has approved defence projects worth approximately ₹79,000 crore to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The proposals were cleared during the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday.
Boost for the Indian Army
The Defence Ministry granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for several key procurements for the Army, including the Nag Missile System (Tracked) Mark-II, Ground-Based Mobile Electronic Intelligence Systems, and High Mobility Vehicles equipped with Material Handling Cranes.
The upgraded Nag Missile System is designed to neutralize enemy tanks, bunkers, and fortified positions. The new electronic intelligence system will enhance the Army’s ability to track and intercept enemy signal emissions, while the specialized mobility vehicles will ease transportation and deployment of heavy military equipment across difficult terrains.
Advanced Systems for the Navy
For the Indian Navy, the DAC approved the acquisition of Landing Platform Docks (LPDs), 30mm Naval Surface Guns, Advanced Lightweight Torpedoes, Electro-Optical Infrared Search and Track (EOIRST) Systems, and Smart Ammunition for 76mm Super Rapid Gun Mounts.
These Landing Platform Docks will enable the Navy to conduct large-scale amphibious operations in coordination with the Army and Air Force. The vessels are also expected to play a key role in disaster response and humanitarian missions.
The DRDO-developed Advanced Lightweight Torpedoes will bolster anti-submarine warfare capabilities against both conventional and nuclear-powered submarines, while the new 30mm guns will strengthen anti-piracy and coastal security missions.
Firepower Upgrade for the Air Force
The Indian Air Force received approval for several modern systems, including the Collaborative Long-Range Target Saturation and Destruction System. This advanced system can autonomously take off, navigate, identify, and attack enemy targets enhancing precision strike capability across long ranges.
Strengthening Self-Reliance in Defence
The Ministry of Defence emphasized that these approvals reaffirm the government’s commitment to modernizing the armed forces using indigenously developed equipment and technology under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.
The ₹79,000-crore allocation marks one of India’s most significant defence boosts in recent years, reflecting a continued focus on building robust homegrown capabilities to meet future combat and security challenges.