NEW DELHI – In a decisive move to modernize India’s military infrastructure and advance the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) initiative, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, cleared capital acquisition proposals worth approximately ₹79,000 crore today.
The meeting, held at South Block, focused on equipping the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force with next-generation indigenous technology, particularly in the realms of precision strike, drone warfare, and long-range surveillance.
Bolstering the Three Services
The approvals—granted under the “Acceptance of Necessity” (AoN) category—span a wide array of high-tech hardware:
1. Indian Army: Precision and Counter-Drone Focus
The Army emerged as a major beneficiary, with a focus on modernizing its artillery and defensive capabilities:
- Loiter Munition Systems: Designed for Artillery Regiments, these “suicide drones” can hover over a battlefield to identify and strike tactical targets with high precision.
- Pinaka MRLS Upgrade: Procurement of Long-Range Guided Rocket Ammunition will significantly enhance the range and accuracy of India’s indigenous Pinaka rocket system.
- Integrated Drone Detection & Interdiction System (IDDIS) Mk-II: This system will provide a robust shield for vital assets against the rising threat of hostile unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
2. Indian Air Force: Aerial Superiority
The IAF’s strike and training capabilities received a major boost:
- Astra Mk-II Missiles: These indigenous Beyond-Visual-Range (BVR) air-to-air missiles will allow Indian fighter jets to neutralize adversary aircraft from significantly longer standoff ranges.
- SPICE-1000 Guidance Kits: Long-range precision guidance kits to enhance the lethality of existing air-to-ground munitions.
- LCA Tejas Simulators: A Full Mission Simulator for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas was cleared to provide cost-effective and safe training for pilots.
3. Indian Navy: Maritime Domain Awareness
The Navy’s focus remained on surveillance and logistics:
- HALE RPAS Leasing: The DAC approved the leasing of High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems to ensure persistent ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) over the Indian Ocean Region.
- HF SDR Manpacks: High-Frequency Software Defined Radios will be procured to ensure secure, long-range communication during boarding and landing operations.
Strengthening “Atmanirbhar Bharat”
A significant portion of the ₹79,000 crore package is dedicated to procurement from Indian vendors, aligning with the government’s push for indigenous defense manufacturing. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh noted that these decisions are a testament to India’s commitment to reducing import dependency while ensuring the armed forces remain “future-ready.”
”The Ministry of Defence is working tirelessly to strengthen India’s defense preparedness. These decisions will help in enhancing the operational capabilities and strike prowess of our forces,” Singh stated in a post-meeting address.
Strategic Context
The deal comes at a time of heightened regional security concerns and follows the successful Operation Sindoor in May 2025, where long-range precision weapons played a pivotal role. By investing in loiter munitions and guided rockets, India is signaling a shift toward a “smart” defense posture that prioritizes technological superiority over sheer numbers.