India’s ₹54,000 Crore Defence Boost: Faster Tanks, Deadlier Torpedoes, and Smarter AEW&C Systems

India has taken a decisive step in modernizing its armed forces, with the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approving eight major capital acquisitions worth over ₹54,000 crore. Spearheaded by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, these procurements aim to enhance the combat effectiveness of the Army, Navy, and Air Force while streamlining the bureaucratic hurdles that often delay defence projects.

Upgrading the Army: More Powerful T-90 Tanks

The Indian Army’s formidable T-90 tanks are set for a major upgrade. The DAC has granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for acquiring 1,350 horsepower (HP) engines to replace the existing 1,000 HP engines. This enhancement will significantly improve mobility, especially in high-altitude regions where increased power-to-weight ratio is crucial for maneuverability.

Strengthening the Navy: Advanced Varunastra Torpedoes

The Indian Navy will bolster its underwater combat capabilities with the acquisition of more Varunastra torpedoes. Designed by the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), these state-of-the-art ship-launched anti-submarine torpedoes are capable of striking enemy submarines with high precision. With indigenous technology playing a key role, this procurement reinforces India's commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

Enhancing the Air Force: Next-Gen AEW&C Systems

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to receive new Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft, a crucial addition for modern aerial warfare. These high-tech surveillance planes will significantly boost India’s real-time battlefield awareness, improve coordination between fighter jets, and enhance overall air defence capabilities.

Revolutionizing Defence Procurement: Speed Over Bureaucracy

Beyond approving these acquisitions, the Defence Ministry is undertaking significant reforms to streamline the procurement process. Historically, India’s defence deals have been marred by excessive delays, with complex bureaucratic processes pushing timelines for crucial acquisitions.

One of the most striking changes is the goal to reduce the acquisition timeline from an average of 96 weeks (nearly two years) to just 24 weeks (six months).

Key Reforms to Cut Delays:

1. Faster Proposal Processing: Armed forces must now prepare the Request for Proposal (RFP) at the same time they seek AoN approval, preventing the usual delays that occur when the RFP process starts only after AoN clearance.

2. Accelerated Field Evaluation Trials: Traditionally, defence trials in extreme weather conditions took years to complete. Under the new system, more reliance on simulated conditions will speed up the process.

3. Stricter Contract Negotiation Deadlines: The Contract Negotiation Committee (CNC) will have a maximum of six months to finalize pricing, ensuring that prolonged cost discussions do not stall major deals.

4. Fast-Tracked Clearance by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS): Once the finance ministry approves a negotiated deal, it will quickly be sent for final clearance by the Prime Minister-led CCS.

Ensuring Accountability and Preventing Cost Overruns

These reforms are not just about speed; they are also aimed at increasing accountability. One of the biggest challenges in India’s defence procurements has been cost escalations due to long delays. By setting clear deadlines and introducing parallel processing of approvals, the government aims to prevent unnecessary price hikes that have plagued past deals like Rafale fighter jets, Predator drones, and Scorpene submarines.

The latest approvals and reforms mark a major leap forward in strengthening India's defence capabilities. With faster acquisitions, cutting-edge military technology, and a more efficient process, India is positioning itself as a force to be reckoned with while reducing dependency on foreign suppliers and eliminating bureaucratic roadblocks.