Explained: What the Rs 2.12 lakh crore defence proposals mean for India’s armed forces
New Delhi: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on October 26, has approved military procurement proposals worth approximately Rs 2.12 lakh crore for the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. Around 82 per cent of the proposed purchases are expected to be sourced from Indian industry, according to news agency ANI.
The approvals, granted through Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), cover a range of military equipment, including artillery systems, helicopters, counter-drone technology, surveillance and strike drones, naval missile defence systems, air defence equipment and weather radars.
The proposed acquisitions aim to strengthen India’s defence capabilities, improve battlefield surveillance and enhance protection against emerging threats.
Indian Army to get new artillery, drones and air defence systems
The DAC approved several acquisitions for the Indian Army, including High Mobility Vehicles, a Self-Propelled Tracked Gun System, a Gun Shot Response System and Light Multi Role Helicopters.
The list also includes Very Short-Range Air Defence Systems, counter-drone systems, surveillance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), an Integrated Surveillance and Strike System, and a Long-Range Kamikaze Drone System.
These systems are expected to improve the Army’s mobility, firepower and ability to monitor battlefield activity. The counter-drone and air defence equipment will also help address threats from hostile aerial platforms.
Light multi-role helicopters are intended to support both the Army and the Indian Air Force, adding to their operational capabilities.
Navy to strengthen protection against missile threats
For the Indian Navy, the council approved the procurement of an Active Offboard Decoy System to improve protection against modern anti-ship missiles.
The system is designed to help naval vessels counter incoming missile threats and strengthen their defensive capabilities. The DAC also approved other indigenously designed and constructed naval platforms to enhance the Navy’s operational strength.
The approvals reflect a focus on improving maritime security and strengthening the Navy’s ability to respond to evolving threats at sea.
Air Force to receive helicopters and weather radars
The Indian Air Force received approval for the procurement of helicopters, air defence systems, weapons and Mobile X-Band Doppler Weather Radar Systems.
Special Utility Helicopters will support air transport requirements, while the weather radars will provide localised weather information in forward areas. This information can help personnel assess weather conditions during military operations.
The latest approvals also place emphasis on domestic defence manufacturing, with approximately 82 per cent of the proposed procurements expected to come from Indian industry. The move is in line with efforts to strengthen India’s indigenous defence production capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
The AoN approvals mark an important step in the acquisition process, with the proposed purchases intended to strengthen the operational readiness of India’s armed forces.