India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Tuesday (August 5) announced the approvals of a series of high-value procurement proposals totalling approximately Rs 67,000 crore.
The procurements are aimed at modernising the Army, Navy and Air Force.
The Indian Army received Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the acquisition of thermal imager‑based driver night sights for its BMP armoured vehicles, a move expected to give a boost to nocturnal mobility and combat readiness for mechanised infantry units.
In a statement emphasising its strategic intent, the DAC declared that enhanced night‑vision capability would provide “higher mobility and operational advantage” under low‑visibility conditions.
For the Indian Navy, AoN was granted for the procurement of Compact Autonomous Surface Craft, BrahMos fire control systems and launchers, in addition to the upgrade of the BARAK‑1 point‑defence missile system. The surface craft are intended to bolster anti‑submarine warfare capabilities by detecting, classifying and neutralising maritime threats.
The council also accorded approval to procure mountain radars and upgrade the SAKSHAM/SPYDER weapon system for the Indian Air Force, with a view to improving air surveillance across mountainous border regions and integrating air defence assets with the Integrated Air Command and Control System.
In a major boost to unmanned systems capability, AoN was secured for the procurement of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs) across all three services. Capable of carrying multiple payloads and operating at extended ranges, these drones are expected to enhance 24/7 surveillance and combat readiness.
Furthermore, the Defence Acquisition Council also approved sustenance programmes for the 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, ensuring continued operational availability of these critical platforms.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe DAC approval comes after the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor, which included precise airstrikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22.