The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on February 12, 2026, accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisition proposals worth approximately ₹3.60 lakh crore, marking one of the largest single clearances aimed at strengthening the combat readiness of India’s armed forces.
Indian Air Force: Fighters, Missiles and High-Altitude Surveillance
For the Indian Air Force, the DAC approved AoN for the procurement of Multi Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA), combat missiles, and an Air-Ship Based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (AS-HAPS).
The MRFA programme is expected to significantly enhance the IAF’s air dominance and long-range strike capabilities across the full spectrum of conflict, while also boosting deterrence. A majority of these aircraft will be manufactured in India, aligning with the government’s indigenisation drive.
The approved combat missiles will strengthen stand-off ground attack capabilities with deep-strike reach and high precision. The AS-HAPS platform will enable persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), electronic intelligence, telecommunications and remote sensing for military operations.
Indian Army: Armour and Mobility Upgrades
For the Indian Army, AoN was granted for the procurement of Anti-Tank Mines (Vibhav) and the overhaul of vehicle platforms of Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARVs), T-72 main battle tanks and BMP-II infantry combat vehicles.
The Vibhav mines will be employed as anti-tank obstacle systems to delay and disrupt advancing enemy mechanised forces. Overhauling existing armoured platforms is aimed at extending service life and ensuring sustained operational effectiveness of frontline formations.
Indian Navy: Power Generation and Maritime Surveillance
The Indian Navy received AoN for a 4 MW Marine Gas Turbine-based Electric Power Generator and additional P-8I Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance aircraft.
The power generator, to be developed under the Make-I category of the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020, is expected to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and enhance self-reliance in naval power generation. The induction of additional P-8I aircraft will substantially boost the Navy’s long-range anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance and strike capabilities.
Indian Coast Guard: Enhanced Maritime Surveillance
For the Indian Coast Guard, AoN was accorded for the procurement of Electro-Optical/Infra-Red (EO/IR) systems for Dornier aircraft. This upgrade will significantly enhance maritime surveillance and monitoring capabilities, strengthening coastal and offshore security.
Strategic Signal
Officials said the approvals reflect the government’s focus on rapid capability enhancement, indigenisation and preparedness across all three services and the Coast Guard. With major programmes spanning fighters, missiles, armoured platforms, maritime patrol aircraft and surveillance systems, the ₹3.60 lakh crore AoN is expected to provide a strong momentum to India’s military modernisation and domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem.
