From long-range drones and advanced air defence systems to combat helicopters and naval platforms, India has cleared a major push to strengthen its armed forces. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on Monday approved capital acquisition proposals worth approximately Rs 2.12 lakh crore for the Army, Navy and Air Force, with around 82 per cent of the procurements set to come from Indian industry.The DAC, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, accorded the approvals in the form of Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), which provides in-principle administrative approval for the proposed acquisitions.The proposed purchases cover a wide range of military requirements, including artillery systems, high-mobility vehicles, helicopters, air defence equipment, counter-drone systems, surveillance platforms and long-range drones.
The acquisitions are aimed at strengthening the operational capabilities of the three services.ARMY TO GET NEW ARTILLERY, AIR DEFENCE AND DRONE SYSTEMSThe Army has received approval for a range of acquisitions aimed at strengthening its mobility, firepower, air defence and surveillance capabilities. The approved systems include High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs), a Self-Propelled Tracked Gun System, a Gun Shot Response System (GSRS), Light Multi Role Helicopters (LMRH) and a Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS).
The acquisitions also include a Platform Based Counter Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS), a long-range Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), Surveillance Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), an Integrated Surveillance and Strike System and a Long Range Kamikaze Drone System.The High Mobility Vehicles are expected to enhance the Army's operational mobility and logistics support, particularly in challenging terrains. The Self-Propelled Tracked Gun System, meanwhile, will provide mechanised formations with greater mobility and firepower.
The Gun Shot Response System will act as a force multiplier by providing real-time situational awareness of friendly forces, while the Light Multi Role Helicopters will support both the Army and the Air Force in reconnaissance, surveillance, combat operations, search and rescue and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.The Very Short-Range Air Defence System is intended to counter emerging aerial threats, including small-sized, new-generation targets. The Platform Based Counter Unmanned Aerial System, meanwhile, is expected to improve the survivability of tanks on the modern battlefield.NAVY'S ANTI-MISSILE DEFENCE TO RECEIVE A BOOSTFor the Indian Navy, the DAC approved the procurement of an Active Offboard Decoy System (AODS), along with other major naval platforms.The AODS is expected to strengthen the Navy’s anti-missile defence capabilities by helping counter modern anti-ship missiles deployed by adversaries.The other naval platforms covered by the approvals will be designed and built indigenously.
Equipped with modern warfare capabilities, these platforms are expected to enhance the Navy’s combat strength and operational capabilities.AIR FORCE TO ACQUIRE HELICOPTERS, WEAPONS AND WEATHER RADARSFor the Indian Air Force, the DAC approved the procurement of helicopters, air defence systems, weapons and a Mobile X-Band Doppler Weather Radar System to strengthen its operational readiness and combat capabilities.The proposed acquisition of Special Utility Helicopters is aimed at meeting the Air Force’s air transport requirements, while the new air defence systems and weapons are expected to bolster its war-fighting capabilities.The Mobile X-Band Doppler Weather Radar System will provide high-resolution, localised weather surveillance in forward areas, helping improve weather monitoring in operational zones.A significant feature of the approvals is the emphasis on domestic industry. Approximately 82 per cent of the procurements covered by the approved proposals will be sourced from Indian industry.With the approvals spanning land-based combat equipment, aerial platforms, surveillance and unmanned systems, air defence and naval capabilities, the proposals cover a broad range of requirements across the three services.The total estimated cost of the capital acquisition proposals cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council stands at approximately Rs 2.12 lakh crore.- Ends