National Security / India Approves Massive Defence Procurement Push worth Rs 2.12 Lakh Crore

New Delhi, Oct 26: In a significant push to indigenous defence production, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved military acquisitions valued at Rs 2.12 lakh crore aimed at significantly enhancing the operational capabilities of the Army, Navy and Air Force, with nearly 82 per cent of the equipment and platforms slated to be procured from Indian industry.

The approvals were granted during a DAC meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The council accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), the in-principle approval required for major capital acquisitions, for a wide range of platforms, weapons systems and surveillance assets across the three services.

For the Indian Army, the cleared proposals include high mobility vehicles (HMVs), self-propelled tracked gun systems, gunshot response systems (GSRS), light multi-role helicopters (LMRH), very short-range air defence systems (VSHORADS), platform-based counter unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), long-range surveillance UAVs, integrated surveillance and strike systems, and long-range kamikaze drone systems.

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"The HMVs will enhance operational capabilities, logistic support and mobility in challenging terrains. The Self-Propelled Tracked Gun System will provide matching mobility and firepower to mechanised formations. The GSRS will serve as a force multiplier, providing real-time situational awareness of the forces," the statement said.

The Light Multi-Role Helicopters will be jointly utilised by the Army and the Air Force for reconnaissance, surveillance, combat operations, search-and-rescue missions, humanitarian assistance and disaster-relief operations.

According to the ministry, the VSHORADS will strengthen protection against emerging low-altitude aerial threats, while the C-UAS platforms will improve the survivability of armoured formations on modern battlefields.

The new surveillance and drone capabilities are expected to significantly enhance intelligence gathering, monitoring and precision targeting.

For the Indian Navy, the DAC approved the acquisition of the Active Offboard Decoy System (AODS) along with other major naval platforms. The ministry stated that the AODS will bolster anti-missile defence capabilities, particularly against advanced anti-ship missile threats.

"For the Indian Air Force, approval was accorded for the procurement of helicopters, air defence systems, weapons and a mobile X-Band Doppler weather radar system to enhance the air defence and warfighting capabilities," said the statement.

The ministry further noted that special utility helicopters will address critical air transport requirements, while the mobile X-Band Doppler weather radar system will provide high-resolution, localised weather surveillance in forward operational areas.

The latest approvals underscore India's continued focus on military modernisation and indigenous defence production while strengthening preparedness across multiple operational domains.

(IANS)