India Approves Rs 79,000 Crore Defence Procurement to Bolster Armed Forces

In a significant boost to India’s military modernisation, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved capital acquisition proposals worth approximately Rs 79,000 crore. The decisions, taken during a high-level meeting on December 29, aim to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, with a strong emphasis on indigenous manufacturing.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the approvals as a step towards strengthening India’s defence preparedness, stating that the measures would elevate the armed forces’ combat effectiveness while promoting domestic industry.

Key approvals for the Indian Army include:

– Loitering Munition Systems (also known as kamikaze or suicide drones) for artillery regiments, enabling precision strikes on tactical targets.
– Low-Level Lightweight Radars to detect and track small, low-flying unmanned aerial systems.
– Long-Range Guided Rocket Ammunition for the Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher System, improving range and accuracy against high-value targets.
– Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System Mk-II, designed to counter drone threats with enhanced range for protecting vital assets.
– Mid-life upgrades for approximately 200 T-90 main battle tanks.

For the Indian Air Force, the council cleared procurement of:

– Astra Mk-II beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles with extended range for superior aerial combat.
– Automatic Take-off and Landing Recording Systems to improve flight safety.
– Full Mission Simulators for advanced pilot training.
– SPICE-1000 long-range guidance kits for precision strikes.

The Indian Navy received approvals for:

– Leasing of High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) drones for enhanced surveillance in the Indian Ocean region.
– Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM).
– Bollard Pull Tugs for assisting ships and submarines in confined waters.
– High-Frequency Software Defined Radios.
– Mid-life overhaul of Mi-17 medium-lift helicopters to extend service life and performance.

The meeting also discussed preparations for potential two-front threats from China and Pakistan, with the Chief of Defence Staff briefing on recent border tensions and operational gaps requiring urgent acquisitions. Budget constraints led to debates on cost reductions or limiting quantities in some proposals.

Attendees included Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Navy Chief, Air Chief Marshal, Defence Secretary, Secretary (Defence Production), and DRDO chief, among other senior officials.

These procurements align with the government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, with most systems to be sourced from domestic industries, providing a major impetus to India’s defence manufacturing sector.