The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) to defence procurement proposals worth approximately ₹52,000 crore.
The approvals cover the acquisition of a range of advanced defence systems, missiles, counter-drone technologies and surveillance equipment for the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.
According to the government, the proposals are intended to enhance the operational capabilities of the armed forces, strengthen defence preparedness in line with the requirements of modern warfare, and promote indigenous defence manufacturing.
For the Indian Army, the DAC approved the procurement of several new defence systems, including the 'Akash Tarang' counter-drone electronic system, shoulder-fired anti-tank guided missiles, a medium-range air defence system, a very short-range air defence system, an advanced tank protection system, and jet-powered loitering munitions.
The approvals come amid the increasing role of drones and armoured vehicles in modern warfare. The Akash Tarang system is intended to strengthen the Army's air defence capability by assisting in the detection, surveillance and neutralisation of hostile drones.
The new-generation anti-tank guided missiles are intended to improve the Army's ability to engage enemy armoured vehicles and battle tanks, enhancing its combat capability in border areas.
The DAC also approved the procurement of medium-range and very short-range air defence systems designed to detect and neutralise aerial threats, including fighter aircraft, helicopters, drones and other airborne targets at varying altitudes. The new tank protection system is intended to improve the survivability of armoured vehicles against modern anti-tank weapons. In addition, the jet-powered loitering munition system is expected to provide the Army with a cost-effective precision strike capability.
For the Indian Navy, the council approved several defence projects, including specialised sea-deployed naval mines, shipborne Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), and the establishment of a land-based test facility for the evaluation of electric propulsion systems.
These capabilities are intended to strengthen maritime surveillance, strategic patrolling, anti-submarine operations and maritime security missions.
The DAC also approved the procurement of high-altitude, long-endurance aviation platforms and other advanced surveillance equipment for the Indian Air Force. These systems are intended to support border surveillance, intelligence gathering, communication support and the provision of real-time strategic information, with the objective of enhancing the Air Force's surveillance capability and operational efficiency.
