In a major move to bolster India’s defense capabilities, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the procurement of new military hardware valued at approximately ₹79,000 crore. This strategic decision aims to equip the armed forces with advanced weaponry, including the indigenous Nag anti-tank missiles, state-of-the-art electronic intelligence and surveillance systems, and crucial amphibious vessels.
This significant financial allocation for defense acquisitions marks the second major approval following Operation Sindoor, which was a response to terrorist infrastructure attacks in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in May. Previously, on August 5, defense procurements worth ₹67,000 crore were cleared.
The meeting, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, saw the DAC giving its nod to several key projects for the Indian Navy. These include the acquisition of much-needed landing platform docks (LPDs), which are essential for amphibious operations. The Navy will also receive 30mm naval surface guns (NSGs), advanced lightweight torpedoes (AWLT) developed by DRDO’s Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, an electro-optical infrared search and track system, and smart ammunition for its 76mm super rapid guns. The LPDs are particularly important as they enhance the Navy’s capacity for troop and heavy equipment transport, supporting integrated sea capabilities for peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, and disaster relief missions. The AWLTs are designed to counter various types of submarines, while the NSGs will improve the Navy and Coast Guard’s effectiveness in low-intensity maritime operations and anti-piracy efforts.
For the Army, the DAC has approved the procurement of the Nag tracked missile systems Mk-II (NAMIS), which are designed to neutralize enemy combat vehicles and fortifications. Additionally, ground-based mobile electronic intelligence (ELINT) systems will be acquired to provide continuous electronic surveillance on enemy activities. High mobility vehicles (HMVs) will also be procured to significantly improve troop logistics across diverse terrains.
The Indian Air Force will also see an upgrade with the approval of collaborative long-range target saturation and destruction systems (CLRTS/DS), which are capable of autonomous operations including take-off, navigation, target detection, and payload delivery.