New Delhi: In a significant move aimed at strengthening India’s preparedness for future conflicts, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved defence procurement proposals worth nearly ₹52,000 crore. The acquisitions are designed to enhance the operational capabilities of the Army, Navy and Air Force, with a particular focus on high-intensity, short-duration warfare and modern battlefield requirements.
The approved package includes a wide range of advanced weapon systems and technologies, such as Very Short-Range Air Defence Systems (V-SHORADS), Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) systems, Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (MPATGM), anti-drone technologies, jet-based kamikaze drones, electronic warfare systems, and surveillance platforms. The Navy will also receive new unmanned aerial systems and advanced mine warfare capabilities.
The procurement reflects India’s emphasis on preparing for rapidly evolving security challenges along its borders with Pakistan and China. Defence planners have increasingly focused on strengthening capabilities required during the initial phase of any conflict, where quick response, layered air defence, precision strikes and effective surveillance play a decisive role.
Several of the approved systems are based on indigenous technologies, in line with the government’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. Advanced surveillance platforms, including high-altitude pseudo satellites, are also expected to significantly improve intelligence gathering and battlefield awareness.
According to defence officials, the approvals are intended to improve combat readiness across land, air and maritime domains while incorporating lessons learned from recent military operations and the growing importance of drone warfare, integrated air defence and network-centric operations.