New Delhi, October 26, 2026: In a major boost to India’s military modernisation and indigenous defence manufacturing, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisition proposals worth approximately ₹2.12 lakh crore (₹2,12,000 crore) for the Indian Armed Forces.
The approvals, granted during the DAC meeting held on Monday, cover a wide range of advanced military equipment, including helicopters, artillery systems, air defence weapons, surveillance drones, kamikaze drones, counter-drone systems and modern naval platforms.
According to the Ministry of Defence, approximately 82% of the approved procurements will be sourced from Indian industry, providing a significant boost to the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Indian Army to Get Advanced Artillery, Drones and Air Defence Systems
The Indian Army has received approvals for several critical weapon systems and equipment aimed at strengthening its combat preparedness, surveillance capabilities and operational mobility.
The DAC cleared proposals for the procurement of High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs), Self-Propelled Tracked Gun Systems, Gun Shot Response Systems (GSRS), Light Multi Role Helicopters (LMRH), Very Short-Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS), Platform-Based Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS), Unmanned Aerial System Brick Long Range, Surveillance UAVs, Integrated Surveillance and Strike Systems, and Long Range Kamikaze Drone Systems.
The High Mobility Vehicles will improve logistics support and troop mobility across difficult terrains, particularly in challenging operational environments. The Self-Propelled Tracked Gun Systems will provide mechanised formations with improved firepower and battlefield mobility.
The Gun Shot Response System will act as a force multiplier by providing real-time situational awareness, enabling troops to respond more effectively to battlefield threats.
The Light Multi Role Helicopters, intended for both the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force, will support reconnaissance, surveillance, combat missions, search and rescue operations, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief activities.
The Very Short-Range Air Defence Systems will strengthen protection against emerging small aerial threats, while platform-based counter-drone systems will enhance the survivability of tanks against unmanned aerial threats on modern battlefields.
The approval of long-range kamikaze drones, surveillance UAVs and integrated surveillance and strike systems is particularly significant as unmanned warfare and precision targeting continue to play an increasingly important role in military operations.
Indian Navy to Receive Advanced Missile Defence Systems and New Platforms
For the Indian Navy, the DAC approved the procurement of Active Offboard Decoy Systems (AODS) and other major naval platforms.
The Active Offboard Decoy System is designed to strengthen the Navy’s defensive capabilities against modern anti-ship missiles by improving the effectiveness of its missile countermeasures.
The approval also covers major naval platforms that will be designed and constructed indigenously. These platforms will incorporate modern warfare capabilities and enhance the Indian Navy’s overall combat effectiveness and operational readiness.
The acquisitions are expected to contribute to strengthening India’s maritime defence capabilities amid evolving security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region.
Indian Air Force to Get Helicopters, Air Defence Weapons and Weather Radars
The Indian Air Force will also benefit from major procurement approvals covering helicopters, air defence systems, weapons and Mobile X-Band Doppler Weather Radar Systems.
The acquisition of Special Utility Helicopters will help the IAF fulfil critical air transportation requirements, improving its operational flexibility and ability to support missions across different terrains.
The Mobile X-Band Doppler Weather Radar Systems will provide high-resolution, localised weather surveillance in forward areas, supporting operational planning and aviation activities in challenging weather conditions.
The additional air defence systems and weapons are intended to enhance the IAF’s combat readiness and strengthen its ability to counter emerging aerial threats.
82% of Procurement to Benefit Indian Defence Industry
One of the most significant aspects of the DAC’s latest approvals is the emphasis on indigenous defence manufacturing.
According to the Ministry of Defence, approximately 82% of the total approved procurement value will be sourced from Indian industry.
This is expected to create substantial opportunities for domestic defence manufacturers and strengthen India’s efforts to reduce dependence on foreign military equipment.
The approvals also reflect the Armed Forces’ increasing focus on modern battlefield technologies, including unmanned aerial systems, precision-strike weapons, counter-drone solutions, advanced surveillance equipment and integrated air defence systems.
Major Step Towards Military Modernisation
The ₹2.12 lakh crore approvals represent a major step in strengthening the operational capabilities of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.
However, Acceptance of Necessity represents an in-principle administrative approval and does not mean that procurement contracts have already been signed. The proposals will undergo subsequent acquisition procedures before contracts are finalised.
Once completed, the acquisitions are expected to significantly enhance India’s military preparedness across land, sea and air domains while providing a major boost to the domestic defence industry.
