The government has cleared defence acquisition proposals worth around ₹1.10 lakh crore, paving the way for a major round of modernisation across the Indian armed forces.
The approvals were given by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and cover equipment and systems for the Army, Navy and Indian Air Force. A significant part of the package is expected to be sourced from Indian manufacturers, reinforcing the government’s push for self-reliance in defence production.
The proposals include a mix of battlefield equipment, helicopters, surveillance systems, naval propulsion technology and electronic warfare capabilities. Together, they are aimed at strengthening operational preparedness while reducing dependence on imports.
For the Indian Army, the DAC has cleared the acquisition of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) reconnaissance vehicles, designed to help troops detect and assess hazardous environments. Such vehicles are expected to improve the Army’s ability to operate in areas affected by chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear threats.
The Army will also acquire High Mobility Vehicles, which are designed to support the movement of personnel and equipment across challenging terrain. Other approvals include Self-Propelled Mechanical Mine Layers, Trawl Tanks and the Sarvatra Bridge System.
These systems are focused largely on improving mobility and the ability of troops to negotiate difficult terrain and battlefield obstacles. The Sarvatra Bridge System, for instance, is intended to help formations cross gaps and obstacles quickly during military operations.
The package also includes Advanced Light Helicopters (ALHs). These helicopters can support a range of military requirements, including troop movement, logistics and operations in difficult geographical conditions.
The Indian Navy will see upgrades in both surveillance and propulsion capabilities.
The DAC has approved the procurement of Arudhra Radars, which are expected to replace older Air Route Surveillance Radars at naval air stations. The move will strengthen the Navy’s ability to monitor and manage airspace around its bases.
Another important proposal relates to Marine Gas Turbines. The government has cleared their design and development, followed by procurement. Developing such propulsion technology within the country is significant for India’s efforts to strengthen its domestic naval engineering and shipbuilding capabilities.
For the Indian Air Force, the approvals include equipment aimed at enhancing electronic warfare and aircraft capabilities. One of the key proposals is for Ground-Based Multi-Purpose Jammers, which will give the armed forces greater ability to operate in and control the electromagnetic spectrum.
Electronic warfare has become increasingly important in modern conflicts, where radar, communications and electronic signals play a critical role. Ground-based jamming systems can be used to disrupt or interfere with hostile electronic systems, adding another layer to India’s defence preparedness.
The Air Force will also receive the Defence Forces Secure Access Card (DEFSAC) system. The technology is expected to replace conventional paper-based identity cards, passes and permits with interoperable smart cards using radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology.
Beyond the individual platforms and systems, the size and composition of the latest package underline the government’s continuing emphasis on Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence.
Around 98% of the procurement is expected to be sourced from Indian industry, according to the government. This could provide a significant boost to domestic defence manufacturers, aerospace companies, shipbuilders and technology firms involved in military production.
The increased role of Indian companies is also part of a wider effort to develop a defence manufacturing ecosystem capable of meeting the requirements of the armed forces within the country. Greater domestic production is expected to support technology development, manufacturing capacity and research while lowering dependence on foreign suppliers.
However, the DAC’s decision does not mean that contracts have been awarded immediately. The approvals represent an Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), an important step in India’s defence procurement process that allows the proposals to move forward. Individual acquisitions will still have to go through subsequent procedures before final contracts are signed.
The latest approvals come at a time when the armed forces are seeking to upgrade equipment across multiple domains rather than relying only on individual high-profile platforms.
From battlefield mobility and CBRN protection to naval surveillance, propulsion and electronic warfare, the package covers several areas considered important for modern military operations.
The ₹1.10 lakh crore defence acquisition plan therefore serves a dual purpose: strengthening India’s immediate military capabilities while giving further momentum to the country’s ambition of becoming more self-reliant in defence manufacturing.
