Defence Ministry Approves ₹67,000 Crore Worth of Military Proposals to Boost Combat Capabilities

In a major push towards enhancing India's defence preparedness and self-reliance, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Monday approved capital acquisition proposals worth approximately ₹67,000 crore. These proposals span across all three armed services—Army, Navy, and Air Force—as well as tri-service and strategic maintenance programs.

The proposals were approved under various categories with a strong emphasis on indigenous design, development and manufacturing, in line with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that a significant portion of the contracts will go to Indian industries.

Indian Army: Enhanced Night-Fighting Capabilities

The DAC cleared the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of Thermal Imager-based Driver Night Sights for BMP infantry combat vehicles. These advanced sights will significantly improve night-time driving and mobility, enhancing tactical manoeuvrability and battlefield visibility in low-light environments.

Indian Navy: Maritime Surveillance and ASW Strengthening

The Indian Navy received approvals for multiple key systems, including:

• Compact Autonomous Surface Craft (CASC) for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions. These unmanned platforms are designed to detect, classify, and neutralise underwater threats, boosting maritime situational awareness.

• Procurement of BrahMos Fire Control Systems and Launchers, reinforcing the Navy’s sea-based precision strike capability.

• Upgradation of the BARAK-1 Point Defence Missile System, enhancing the Navy’s close-in air defence mechanism against aerial threats.

Indian Air Force: Mountain Surveillance and Air Defence Upgrades

For the Indian Air Force, the DAC approved:

• Procurement of Mountain Radars, which will significantly improve border surveillance and tracking capabilities, especially in high-altitude terrain.

• Upgradation of the SAKSHAM/SPYDER Air Defence Systems, with enhanced integration into the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS). This integration will allow real-time coordination across air defence networks and radar systems.

Tri-Services: Boost to Drone Warfare

One of the most significant approvals was granted for Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) for tri-services. These drones, capable of long-range and all-weather operation, will strengthen India’s 24x7 intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) and precision strike capabilities. The RPAs will be equipped with multi-payload options, enhancing their adaptability for missions across theatres.

Maintenance & Operational Readiness Support

In addition to acquisitions, the DAC approved proposals related to the sustenance and long-term maintenance of existing high-value platforms:

• Sustenance support for the C-17 Globemaster III and C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft, critical to India’s heavy-lift and logistics operations.

• Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) for the S-400 Triumf Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LR-SAM) System, ensuring its operational readiness and system integrity.

Indigenisation & Strategic Impact

According to the Ministry of Defence, a substantial portion of the ₹67,000 crore worth of proposals will be sourced from Indian vendors, with many items to be procured under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) and Buy (Indian) categories. This reflects a continued effort to boost indigenous industry, reduce dependency on imports, and foster technological innovation within the country.

In recent months, the DAC has approved a series of high-value acquisitions, reinforcing India’s goal of self-reliant and modernised armed forces. This latest set of clearances is expected to be a key enabler of India’s military readiness in the face of evolving security challenges along its borders and in the maritime domain.