India Clears ₹67,000 Crore Defence Deals
India has approved defence acquisition proposals worth ₹67,000 crore to modernize its armed forces. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, gave the green signal to several key projects aimed at enhancing India’s military capabilities across land, air, and sea.
Armed Drones and BrahMos Missiles in Focus
Among the major approvals is the procurement of 87 high-end armed drones capable of long-range surveillance and strike missions. The council also cleared the purchase of over 110 air-launched versions of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, designed for precision strikes against enemy targets from fighter jets.
Additional Systems to Strengthen Defences
The approved projects include mountain radars for high-altitude surveillance, SPYDER air defence missile systems for quick-reaction air threats, and upgrades to infantry combat vehicles and fire-control systems. These additions are expected to enhance operational readiness, particularly along challenging border areas.
Strong Push for Indigenous Manufacturing
A significant portion of the newly cleared systems will be produced in India. The armed drones will have at least 60% indigenous components, aligning with the government’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives. Indian companies will be involved in manufacturing radar systems, missile parts, and combat vehicle upgrades.
Strategic Importance of the Deals
The new acquisitions aim to strengthen India’s deterrence posture and readiness to respond to security threats. By focusing on locally made systems, the government also hopes to reduce dependence on foreign defence imports and build a robust domestic defence industrial base.
Long-Term Implications
The ₹67,000 crore package represents one of the largest defence procurement pushes in recent years. Military experts believe these approvals will boost India’s strike capabilities, improve border monitoring, and create new opportunities for domestic defence manufacturers.
