Defence Acquisition Council Approves ₹79,000 Crore Procurement to Boost Armed Forces

India’s defence modernisation received a major push as the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, cleared key procurement proposals worth approximately ₹79,000 crore. The decisions, taken during a high-level meeting in New Delhi, aim to enhance the operational readiness and logistical capabilities of the Army, Navy, and Air Force under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.

Major Approvals for the Indian Army

For the Indian Army, the DAC granted the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for several critical systems, including the Nag Missile System (Tracked) Mk-II (NAMIS), Ground-Based Mobile Electronic Intelligence System (GBMES), and High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs) fitted with Material Handling Cranes. These systems are expected to significantly strengthen battlefield mobility, intelligence collection, and precision strike capabilities across varied terrains.

Naval Acquisitions to Bolster Maritime Power

The Indian Navy’s procurement plan includes Landing Platform Docks (LPDs), 30mm Naval Surface Guns (NSG), Advanced Lightweight Torpedoes (ALWT), Electro-Optical Infra-Red Search and Track Systems, and Smart Ammunition for the 76mm Super Rapid Gun Mount. The LPDs will expand the Navy’s amphibious warfare and disaster relief capacities, while the indigenously developed ALWT—crafted by DRDO’s Naval Science & Technological Laboratory—will reinforce India’s undersea warfare capabilities.

Cutting-Edge Weaponry for Maritime Security

The new 30mm Naval Surface Gun (NSG) and smart ammunition systems will enhance India’s ability to conduct Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), anti-piracy missions, and coastal defence. These additions are expected to improve precision targeting, endurance, and rapid response during multi-domain maritime threats.

Related GK Facts

• The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) was formed in 2001 to streamline defence procurement decisions in India.
• The “Acceptance of Necessity” (AoN) is the first formal step in India’s defence acquisition process.
• India is the world’s third-largest defence spender, after the United States and China.
• The DRDO’s Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL) is India’s sole facility dedicated to underwater weapons research.

New Systems for the Indian Air Force

For the Indian Air Force, the DAC approved the AoN for a Collaborative Long Range Target Saturation/Destruction System (CLRTS/DS). This advanced autonomous platform can navigate, detect, and strike multiple targets without human intervention. The system will provide the IAF with enhanced capability to conduct coordinated long-range strikes, boosting both offensive and defensive air operations in the future.