Web Desk (MNN); India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on Monday approved defence procurement proposals worth Rs790 billion (approximately $8.78 billion) aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of the Army, Navy and Air Force, Indian media reported.
The approvals were granted at a meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and are part of India’s broader strategy to modernise its armed forces and strengthen combat readiness, according to India Today.
For the Army, the DAC granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for several key systems, including loitering munition systems for artillery units, low-level lightweight radars, long-range guided rocket ammunition for the Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System, and the Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System Mk-II. These systems are expected to improve precision strike capability, battlefield surveillance and counter-drone operations.
In the naval domain, the council approved the procurement of bollard pull tugs, high-frequency software-defined radio manpacks, and the leasing of high-altitude, long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft systems. These acquisitions aim to enhance maritime domain awareness, communication capabilities and operational mobility of the Navy.
The Air Force was cleared to acquire automatic take-off and landing recording systems, Astra Mk-II air-to-air missiles, full mission simulators for pilot training, and SPICE-1000 long-range guidance kits. These systems are intended to boost combat preparedness, training efficiency and strike accuracy.
According to the Times of India, the Rs79,000 crore package represents one of the largest recent defence clearance decisions, encompassing advanced missiles, radars, drones and electronic warfare systems across all three services.
