NEW DELHI: India’s military modernisation plans received a significant boost on Monday after the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared procurement proposals worth approximately ₹79,000 crore, covering critical requirements of the Army, Navy and Air Force.
The approvals were taken during a DAC meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on December 29. The clearances were granted at the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) stage, the mandatory first step in India’s defence procurement process, which allows the services to move ahead with detailed acquisition procedures and vendor engagement.
The proposals reflect a strong focus on precision strike systems, counter-drone capabilities, surveillance platforms, secure communications and advanced training infrastructure, areas that have gained urgency amid evolving regional security challenges.
Indian Army: Emphasis on drone warfare, long-range firepower
A large share of the approvals relates to the Indian Army, with the DAC clearing proposals aimed at strengthening battlefield awareness and precision strike capability.
Among the key systems cleared are loiter munition platforms, which allow troops to conduct precision attacks on tactical targets by remotely piloted munitions that can hover over an area before striking. These systems are expected to play a crucial role in future conflicts where rapid target engagement and minimal collateral damage are essential.
The Army will also move ahead with procurement of low-level lightweight radars, designed to detect and track small, low-flying aerial threats such as drones and unmanned aerial vehicles. The growing use of drones for surveillance and cross-border activities has made such detection systems a priority.
In addition, the DAC approved long-range guided rocket ammunition for the Pinaka multi-launch rocket system, which will extend the reach and accuracy of the indigenous rocket artillery, allowing deeper and more precise strikes against high-value targets.
To counter hostile drone activity, the Army will also acquire the Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System Mk-II, an upgraded version with enhanced range. The system is intended to safeguard critical military installations and assets in both forward areas and the hinterland.
Indian Navy: Mobility support and maritime surveillance
For the Indian Navy, the DAC cleared proposals focused on improving operational mobility, communication and maritime surveillance.
Approval was given for the procurement of Bollard Pull (BP) tugs, which assist naval vessels and submarines during berthing, unberthing and manoeuvring, particularly in narrow or congested harbour areas. These support vessels are essential for the safe handling of large warships.
The Navy will also acquire high-frequency software-defined radios (HF SDR) in manpack configuration, aimed at improving secure long-range communications during operational tasks such as boarding missions and amphibious operations.
In a move to enhance maritime domain awareness, the DAC approved the leasing of High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) remotely piloted aircraft systems. These platforms will provide persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance coverage over vast stretches of the Indian Ocean Region, strengthening India’s ability to monitor maritime activity in strategically important waters.
Indian Air Force: Missiles, simulators and precision strike tools
The Indian Air Force (IAF) will see a mix of safety, combat and training-related upgrades following the DAC clearances.
Among the systems approved is an automatic take-off and landing recording system, which will provide high-definition, all-weather recording of flight operations. The system is expected to help improve aviation safety and aid in the analysis of incidents and near-misses.
The DAC also cleared the procurement of Astra Mk-II air-to-air missiles, an advanced variant of the indigenous beyond-visual-range missile with extended reach. The missile will enhance the IAF’s ability to engage hostile aircraft from longer stand-off distances.
To strengthen pilot training, approval was granted for a full mission simulator for the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, allowing pilots to train in a realistic and cost-effective environment without relying entirely on live flying hours.
Additionally, the Air Force will procure SPICE-1000 guidance kits, which convert conventional bombs into precision-guided munitions, significantly improving accuracy during long-range strike missions.
Bigger picture
The ₹79,000 crore AoN approvals underline the government’s continued push towards modernising the armed forces while addressing emerging threats from drones, precision weapons and contested maritime spaces. While the clearances do not amount to final contracts, they mark a decisive step towards actual procurement and induction in the coming years.
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