Image Credit: X account @rajnathsingh
India Approves ₹79,000 Cr Defence Procurement
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has cleared defence equipment acquisition proposals worth around ₹79,000 crore to strengthen the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Key Approvals for the Army
For the Indian Army, the approvals cover the Nag Missile System (Tracked) Mk II, Ground Based Mobile ELINT Systems (GBMES), and High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs) with cranes for material handling. These systems are aimed at enhancing battlefield capability and operational flexibility.
Naval Procurement Plans
The Indian Navy has been cleared to procure Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) for amphibious operations and disaster relief. Other approvals include 30 mm Naval Surface Guns (NSGs), Advanced Lightweight Torpedoes (ALWTs), and electro-optical IR search and track systems, strengthening both offensive and defensive capabilities at sea.
Air Force Acquisitions
The Indian Air Force is set to acquire the Collaborative Long Range Target Saturation/Destruction System (CLRTS/DS) along with other advanced long-range strike and surveillance platforms, boosting its ability to respond to modern aerial threats.
Push for Indigenisation
Officials highlighted that the acquisitions will be largely sourced from domestic defence manufacturers, aligning with the government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) vision. This is one of the largest single defence procurement clearances in recent years and follows earlier approvals worth ₹67,000 crore in August.
Outlook
The ₹79,000 crore package underscores India’s focus on modernising its forces across land, sea, and air domains. However, successful implementation will depend on timely delivery, integration of systems, and sustained training and support.
