India Clears ₹2.12 Lakh Crore Defence Proposals
India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved in principle military procurement proposals worth approximately ₹2.12 lakh crore. Announced on October 26, 2026, the approvals cover advanced weapons, helicopters, drones, artillery and naval platforms for the three armed services, with nearly 82% of the proposed procurement expected to come from Indian manufacturers.
Indian Army to Get Advanced Drones and Artillery
The council cleared proposals for High Mobility Vehicles, Self-Propelled Tracked Gun Systems, Light Multi Role Helicopters and Very Short-Range Air Defence Systems.
The Army’s proposed acquisitions also include Gun Shot Response Systems, surveillance drones, counter-drone equipment, integrated surveillance and strike systems, and long-range kamikaze drones.
The equipment is intended to improve battlefield surveillance, mobility, precision targeting and protection against emerging aerial threats.
Indian Navy and Air Force to Receive New Systems
For the Indian Navy, the DAC approved Active Offboard Decoy Systems and additional naval platforms.
The decoy systems are intended to strengthen warship protection against modern anti-ship missiles.
The Indian Air Force received approvals for helicopters, air defence systems, weapons and mobile X-Band Doppler Weather Radar Systems.
The helicopters will support transport and operational requirements, while the radars will improve weather monitoring in forward areas.
82% of Defence Procurement Earmarked for Indian Industry
The Defence Ministry said approximately 82% of the proposed acquisitions would be sourced from domestic industry, supporting India’s defence manufacturing and self-reliance objectives.
The decision represents Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), which provides preliminary administrative clearance rather than final purchase approval.
Individual contracts, suppliers, quantities and delivery schedules will be determined through subsequent procurement procedures.
The proposals form part of India’s continuing military modernisation programme, with emphasis on indigenous manufacturing and emerging defence technologies.
