The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Tuesday cleared procurement and upgrade proposals worth approximately ₹67,000 crore to enhance the combat readiness and technological edge of the Indian Armed Forces.
For the Indian Army, the DAC granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for procuring Thermal Imager-based Driver Night Sights for BMP infantry combat vehicles, improving night-driving capabilities and mobility for mechanised infantry units.
For the Indian Navy, AoNs were approved for Compact Autonomous Surface Craft, BrahMos Fire Control Systems and Launchers, and the upgrade of BARAK-1 Point Defence Missile Systems. The autonomous surface craft will boost the Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capability by enabling detection, classification, and neutralisation of underwater threats.
For the Indian Air Force, approvals included the procurement of Mountain Radars to strengthen air surveillance in high-altitude regions and the upgrade of the SAKSHAM/SPYDER Weapon System for integration with the Integrated Air Command and Control System, enhancing overall air defence capability.
In a major tri-services boost, the DAC also approved the acquisition of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft capable of carrying multiple payloads and weapons for long-range, round-the-clock surveillance and strike missions.
Additionally, the council cleared proposals for the sustenance of the IAF’s C-17 and C-130J transport aircraft fleets, as well as a comprehensive annual maintenance contract for the S-400 Long Range Air Defence Missile System.
The Ministry of Defence said the approvals reflect the government’s commitment to modernising the armed forces and strengthening India’s preparedness across land, sea, and air domains.
