In a major push towards strengthening India’s defence preparedness and self-reliance, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Thursday approved a series of capital acquisition proposals worth approximately ₹79,000 crore for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The meeting, held at South Block in New Delhi, focused on enhancing the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces through cutting-edge indigenous systems, aligning with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
For the Indian Army
The DAC accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for key procurements, including the Nag Missile System (Tracked) Mk-II (NAMIS), Ground-Based Mobile ELINT System (GBMES), and High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs) with material-handling cranes.
- The NAMIS (Tracked) will significantly boost the Army’s ability to neutralise enemy combat vehicles, bunkers, and field fortifications.
- The GBMES will provide round-the-clock electronic intelligence of adversary emitters, strengthening surveillance and electronic warfare capabilities.
- The induction of HMVs will improve logistics and mobility in diverse terrains, enhancing sustainment operations for forward-deployed troops.
For the Indian Navy
The Navy received approval for the acquisition of Landing Platform Docks (LPDs), 30mm Naval Surface Guns (NSGs), Advanced Lightweight Torpedoes (ALWT), Electro-Optical Infrared Search and Track (EOIRST) Systems, and Smart Ammunition for 76mm Super Rapid Gun Mounts.
- The LPDs will expand the Navy’s amphibious warfare and joint operations capability alongside the Army and Air Force.
- The ALWT, developed indigenously by DRDO’s Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, can target conventional, nuclear, and midget submarines, marking a leap in India’s undersea warfare capabilities.
- The 30mm NSGs will bolster anti-piracy and low-intensity maritime operations for both the Navy and Coast Guard.
For the Indian Air Force
The DAC cleared the proposal for the Collaborative Long Range Target Saturation/Destruction System (CLRTS/DS) and other advanced projects.
The CLRTS/DS system is capable of autonomous take-off, navigation, target detection, and payload delivery, significantly enhancing the IAF’s deep-strike and precision engagement potential.
Strategic Significance
The approvals underscore India’s commitment to modernising its military through indigenous innovation, technology integration, and operational synergy among the three services. The ₹79,000 crore boost will not only strengthen frontline readiness but also generate significant industrial momentum for domestic defence manufacturers.
The Defence Ministry reaffirmed that all acquisitions will prioritise Indian-designed, developed, and manufactured systems, reinforcing the nation’s strategic autonomy and defence-industrial growth.
