India DAC Approves ₹79,000 Crore For Nag Mk-2 Missile & NAMIS, LPDs, HMVs and ALWTs

In a sweeping move that underscores India’s accelerating push toward military modernisation and self-reliance, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for defence procurement proposals worth nearly ₹79,000 crore (approximately $9 billion). The approvals, announced on October 23, 2025, cover a broad range of critical systems for the Army, Navy, and Air Force, reflecting a comprehensive vision of capability enhancement across land, sea, and air.

The clearances, primarily under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, place strong emphasis on indigenous production and technology development, aligning with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative aimed at reducing import dependency in defence equipment.

Army Gets a Firepower and Mobility Boost

For the Indian Army, the DAC approvals represent a significant upgrade in both offensive and support capabilities. Among the headline systems cleared is the Nag Mk-2 Missile and its tracked launcher system, part of the Nag Missile System (NAMIS) program. This advanced anti-tank guided missile is designed to neutralize heavily armoured enemy targets and fortified bunkers with pinpoint precision. The Nag Mk-2 is expected to feature improved range, better target acquisition, and enhanced seeker technology, offering superior lethality against modern battle tanks.

Accompanying this is the approval of the Ground-Based Mobile Electronic Intelligence System (GBMES) — a high-end electronic warfare asset designed to intercept, locate, and analyse enemy radar and communication signals. This will significantly improve the Army’s situational awareness and electronic battlefield dominance.

To bolster logistics and mobility in high-altitude and rough terrain operations, the Army will also induct High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs) equipped with Material Handling Cranes, enabling faster movement of heavy equipment and supplies to forward areas. Collectively, these systems will enhance the Army’s ability to fight smarter and move faster in a contested environment.

Navy’s Blue-Water Ambitions Strengthened

The Indian Navy has emerged as a major beneficiary of this DAC meeting, with multiple high-value clearances aimed at strengthening its operational depth and amphibious warfare capabilities.

The most notable is the approval for Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) — large amphibious assault ships capable of transporting troops, armoured vehicles, and helicopters for beach landings and island operations. The LPDs will serve as a crucial element in India’s future expeditionary and humanitarian missions, enhancing the Navy’s reach across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Complementing this is the green light for the Advanced Light Weight Torpedo (ALWT), an indigenous anti-submarine weapon developed by DRDO’s Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL). Designed for deployment from surface ships, helicopters, and submarines, the ALWT can engage enemy submarines with high precision in both shallow and deep waters.

Additionally, the Navy will procure the 30mm Naval Surface Gun (NSG) for patrol vessels and corvettes, and integrate Electro-Optical Infrared (EO/IR) Search and Track Systems along with Smart Ammunition for its 76mm Super Rapid Gun Mounts. These systems are tailored to improve maritime surveillance, counter asymmetric threats, and enhance surface engagement capabilities.

Together, these acquisitions represent a substantial leap toward India’s vision of a robust, technologically advanced blue-water navy capable of securing national and regional maritime interests.

Air Force Focuses on Autonomy and Precision

The Indian Air Force (IAF), too, is set to benefit from cutting-edge technology with the approval of the Collaborative Long-Range Target Saturation/Destruction System (CLRTS/DS). This futuristic weapon system combines autonomy, networked coordination, and long-range strike capability — allowing multiple platforms to work collaboratively to overwhelm enemy defences.

The CLRTS/DS represents India’s gradual shift toward autonomous and swarm-based strike systems, marking an important step in adapting to new-generation warfare dominated by drones, unmanned combat systems, and AI-driven targeting solutions.

While details on additional IAF procurements were not fully disclosed, the overall focus remains clear: enhancing precision, survivability, and network-centric warfare capabilities across all operational domains.

Aatmanirbhar Bharat at the Core

A key highlight of this ₹79,000 crore push is its commitment to indigenisation. Nearly all the approved systems will be developed, manufactured, or integrated in India — either through DRDO, DPSUs, or private Indian defence firms. The government aims to ensure that these projects generate employment, boost local supply chains, and nurture a globally competitive defence industrial base.

The Advanced Light Weight Torpedo and Nag Mk-2 Missile are shining examples of indigenous innovation, both developed under the DRDO umbrella, while the LPDs are expected to involve major Indian shipyards such as L&T or Cochin Shipyard Limited.

Strategic and Regional Implications

The DAC’s approvals come at a time of rising tensions along India’s borders and a rapidly evolving maritime landscape in the Indo-Pacific. The mix of offensive and defensive platforms reflects India’s recognition of the need for multi-domain readiness — from the icy heights of the Himalayas to the depths of the Indian Ocean.

• For the Army, the Nag Mk-2 and NAMIS strengthen deterrence against armoured threats from across borders.

• For the Navy, LPDs and ALWTs enhance maritime mobility, power projection, and anti-submarine defence.

• For the Air Force, autonomous strike systems like CLRTS/DS prepare India for the next generation of high-tech warfare.

Collectively, these acquisitions signal India’s intent to evolve from a regional power into a self-reliant, high-technology defence ecosystem capable of defending its interests and supporting partners in the region.

Challenges Ahead

While the approvals mark a significant milestone, implementation remains the true test. Historically, India’s defence procurement programs have faced delays due to bureaucratic hurdles, budget constraints, and technological challenges. Timely execution, industrial coordination, and clear accountability will be crucial to ensure that the ₹79,000 crore investment translates into tangible battlefield advantage.

The DAC’s clearance of nearly ₹79,000 crore worth of proposals marks one of the most significant defence modernisation waves in recent years. By empowering all three services with a balanced mix of firepower, mobility, and intelligence systems — and ensuring that most of it is indigenously produced — India is laying the foundation for a new era of strategic autonomy.

If these projects proceed as planned, they will not only strengthen India’s defence posture but also transform its defence industrial base into one of the most dynamic in the world — turning vision into capability and policy into power.