DAC clears Rs 2.12 lakh crore defence proposals to boost domestic capabilities
The Defence Ministry has granted in-principle approval for advanced drones, helicopters, and missile defence systems across the armed forces.
DAC clears Rs 2.12 lakh crore defence buys
The Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has accorded Acceptance of Necessity for capital acquisition proposals worth approximately Rs 2.12 lakh crore to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
In a substantial push for domestic defence manufacturing and national security, around 82 per cent of the approved procurement value will be sourced directly from Indian industry. The approvals cover a comprehensive range of hardware, including artillery, high-mobility transport, helicopters, counter-drone systems, missile defences, and weather surveillance radars.
Service-wise procurement breakdown
The approvals address key operational requirements across land, sea, and air operations, reinforcing combat readiness with modern technology.
| Service | Major acquisitions cleared | Core capabilities targeted |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Army | Tracked guns, HMVs, LMRH, VSHORADS, kamikaze drones | Firepower, border mobility, counter-drone defence |
| Indian Navy | Active Offboard Decoy Systems, indigenous naval ships | Anti-missile defence, combat capability |
| Indian Air Force | Special utility choppers, air defence, X-band radars | Tactical transport, forward weather monitoring |
Army expands firepower and aerial surveillance
For the Indian Army, the council cleared High Mobility Vehicles to assist logistics across difficult border terrains, alongside a Self-Propelled Tracked Gun System for mechanised divisions. A Gun Shot Response System was approved to give friendly forces real-time situational awareness on the battlefield.
To address modern aerial threats, approvals include Very Short-Range Air Defence Systems and a Platform Based Counter Unmanned Aerial System built to safeguard tanks. Air mobility and reconnaissance will be expanded through Light Multi Role Helicopters, which will serve both the Army and the Air Force.
The Army's unmanned strike capabilities will also receive a significant boost through long-range kamikaze drones, surveillance UAVs, and an Integrated Surveillance and Strike System.
Navy and Air Force gain key technologies
The Indian Navy will bolster its anti-missile defences with an Active Offboard Decoy System designed to foil incoming anti-ship missiles. The council also approved additional indigenously designed and built naval platforms equipped for modern warfighting.
For the Indian Air Force, the DAC cleared Special Utility Helicopters for air transport, new weapons, and advanced air defence platforms. The force will also deploy Mobile X-Band Doppler Weather Radar Systems to monitor localized atmospheric conditions in forward operational areas.
Key numbers
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Total procurement value cleared | Rs 2.12 lakh crore | Defence Acquisition Council |
| Share reserved for domestic industry | 82 per cent | Defence Acquisition Council |
In this story
| Name | Role in the story |
|---|---|
| Rajnath Singh | Defence Minister who chaired the Defence Acquisition Council meeting. |
| Defence Acquisition Council | Apex defence body that accorded Acceptance of Necessity for the proposals. |
