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In a major step towards reinforcing national security and enhancing the combat readiness of the Indian Armed Forces, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved military procurement proposals valued at Rs 67,000 crore. The meeting, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, focused on equipping the Army, Navy, and Air Force with cutting-edge systems and technologies vital for modern warfare.
The approvals, granted under the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) framework, mark a significant milestone in India’s efforts to modernise its defence forces and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers by encouraging domestic manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Key Approvals and Strategic Impact
For Indian Army:
- Thermal Imager-Based Night Sights for BMP Vehicles
- The addition of thermal imaging sights will significantly improve night-time mobility and operational efficiency of mechanised infantry units, allowing for effective movement and combat in low-visibility conditions.
- Mountain Radars and SPYDER Weapon System Upgrade
- The procurement of specialised radars enhances India’s surveillance capabilities across rugged mountain terrains, particularly along sensitive border areas. The SPYDER system upgrade, enabling integration with the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), strengthens India’s air defence response against aerial threats.
For Indian Navy:
- Compact Autonomous Surface Craft (CASC)
- These unmanned vessels will bolster the Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities, offering real-time threat detection and neutralisation, especially critical in littoral and high-risk zones.
- BrahMos Missile Launchers and BARAK-1 System Upgrades
- Enhancements to these missile systems will improve naval strike precision and defence against airborne threats, increasing the Navy’s ability to defend key maritime zones.
For Indian Air Force:
- Advanced Mountain Radars and MALE Drones
- The induction of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs) will significantly expand India’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. These drones can carry a variety of payloads, including precision-guided munitions, offering flexible and sustained battlefield support.
- Maintenance for Strategic Assets
- Long-term support for C-17 and C-130J transport aircraft ensures readiness of strategic airlift capabilities, while maintenance contracts for the S-400 air defence systems preserve the integrity of India’s long-range defensive shield.
The DAC’s latest decisions come at a critical juncture, following the Indian Armed Forces’ recent Operation Sindoor, launched in response to a cross-border terror incident. These upgrades are not just routine modernisations; they are essential to maintain an edge in high-altitude, maritime, and hybrid conflict environments.
By approving this suite of acquisitions and upgrades, the government is:
- Strengthening India’s preparedness across land, air, and sea.
- Enabling indigenous defence production and reducing reliance on imports.
- Enhancing rapid-response capabilities in volatile regions.
- Fostering technological superiority in surveillance, electronic warfare, and precision strike.
Broader Push for Defence Self-Reliance
All the proposed acquisitions are set to be implemented under the ‘Make in India’ and Buy (Indian-IDDM) categories, signalling a continued commitment to building a robust domestic defence industrial base.
Team BharatShakti
