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In a major push to modernise India’s military capability across land, sea and air, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Monday approved Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisition proposals worth around Rs 79,000 crore for the Army, Navy and Air Force.
The proposals include new-generation loitering munitions, guided rocket systems, long-range missiles, surveillance drones and advanced simulators, signalling a comprehensive capability upgrade focused on precision strike, surveillance and aerospace safety.
Boost for Army Firepower & Air Defence
For the Indian Army, the DAC approved procurement of loitering munition systems for Artillery Regiments, Low-Level Light Weight Radars, Long-Range Guided Rocket ammunition for the Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System, and the Integrated Drone Detection & Interdiction System Mk-II.
According to the defence ministry, loitering munitions will enable precision engagement of tactical targets, while the lightweight radars will help detect and track small, low-flying unmanned aerial systems, strengthening counter-drone capability. The guided rockets will extend the Pinaka system’s range and accuracy for striking high-value targets.
The upgraded drone detection and interdiction system, with enhanced range, will be deployed to protect critical assets both in forward areas and the hinterland.
Navy to Get Long-Range ISR Capability
For the Navy, the DAC approved the procurement of Bollard Pull (BP) tugs, High Frequency Software-Defined Radios (HF SDR) Manpacks, and the leasing of High Altitude Long Range (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS).
While the tugs will support berthing and manoeuvring of warships and submarines in confined harbour zones, the HF SDR systems will strengthen secure long-range communications. The HALE drones will provide persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), enhancing Maritime Domain Awareness across the Indian Ocean Region.
Air Force to Strengthen Strike & Safety Systems
For the Indian Air Force, the DAC approved the induction of the Automatic Take-off and Landing Recording System, Astra Mk-II beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, Full Mission Simulator for LCA Tejas, and SPICE-1000 long-range guidance kits.
The automatic recording system will plug critical gaps in aerospace safety by providing high-definition, all-weather footage of take-offs and landings. The Astra Mk-II missile will significantly increase engagement range, allowing fighter aircraft to neutralise hostile targets from stand-off distances.
The Tejas mission simulator will improve pilot training in a cost-effective, high-fidelity environment, while SPICE-1000 kits will enhance the Air Force’s precision-strike capability against strategic targets.
Focus on Self-Reliance & Readiness
The ministry said the approvals reflect a deliberate effort to modernise India’s armed forces, improve operational readiness and counter emerging security challenges across domains. A strong emphasis has been placed on indigenous systems and defence self-reliance, in line with the government’s Make in India push.
With the DAC nod now in place, the proposals will proceed to the contracting stage, paving the way for large-scale induction of advanced weapons, surveillance platforms and supporting infrastructure across the three Services.
Team BharatShakti
