The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved defence acquisition proposals worth approximately ₹1.10 lakh crore for the Indian Armed Forces, delivering a major boost to the country’s military modernisation and combat preparedness. Around 98% of the approved procurement is expected to come from Indian industry, reinforcing the government’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
The approvals cover requirements of the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, with a strong emphasis on strengthening operational capabilities, improving electronic warfare preparedness and enhancing critical military infrastructure.
Major Boost to Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
The decision represents another significant step towards expanding India’s domestic defence industrial base. With nearly the entire procurement package planned through Indian industry, the move is expected to generate opportunities for defence public sector undertakings, private manufacturers, start-ups and smaller suppliers involved in the country’s growing military-industrial ecosystem.
The focus on indigenous sourcing also aligns with the government’s broader Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India objectives. Greater domestic participation is aimed not only at reducing dependence on imported defence equipment but also at developing the technological and manufacturing capabilities required to support the armed forces over the long term.
The emphasis on Indian suppliers is particularly important as modern warfare increasingly depends on sophisticated electronics, secure communications, surveillance systems and precision technologies.
Indian Air Force Set for Capability Enhancement
For the Indian Air Force, the DAC cleared proposals intended to strengthen the war-fighting capabilities of fighter aircraft, transport aircraft and helicopters. The approvals are expected to support operational readiness and improve the effectiveness of existing and future air assets.
The council also approved the procurement of Ground-Based Multi-Purpose Jammers (GBMPJ). According to the Defence Ministry, these systems will provide the capability to effectively jam adversary radars, strengthening India’s electronic warfare preparedness.
Another approved requirement is the Defence Forces Secure Access Card system, aimed at providing secure access and strengthening security mechanisms across defence establishments.
These capabilities assume greater importance in an increasingly network-centric battlefield, where electronic warfare, secure communications and information superiority can significantly influence military operations.
Navy Procurement to Strengthen Maritime Power
The Indian Navy is also set to benefit from the latest round of approvals. The acquisition package includes systems intended to improve the Navy’s surveillance, detection and operational capabilities.
Radar-related requirements form an important part of the Navy’s modernisation efforts. The focus on advanced detection and surveillance technologies comes as India continues to strengthen its maritime presence and maintain vigilance across strategically important sea lanes.
The Navy has also been pursuing indigenous solutions for critical propulsion and power-generation requirements. Previous DAC approvals have included initiatives aimed at reducing dependence on foreign suppliers for marine gas turbine-based systems, reflecting the broader push to build domestic capability in strategically important technologies.
Army Modernisation Remains a Key Priority
The Indian Army’s requirements are also covered under the latest approvals. The procurement plan is part of the continuing effort to modernise equipment and ensure that frontline formations remain equipped to respond to evolving security challenges.
For the Army, the broader procurement strategy has increasingly focused on modern surveillance, communications, mobility, precision weapons and other technologies required for multi-domain operations.
The latest DAC decision therefore adds momentum to a wider military modernisation programme designed to improve readiness across India’s land, air and maritime forces.
98% Domestic Procurement Signals Self-Reliance Push
One of the most significant aspects of the latest decision is the target of sourcing about 98% of the procurement from Indian industry. This is expected to strengthen domestic manufacturing while creating a larger market for Indian defence companies.
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The government has steadily increased the share of domestic industry in defence procurement. Earlier official data has also highlighted a strong preference for indigenous acquisition categories and Indian vendors in capital procurement.
Such policies are intended to create a sustainable defence ecosystem in which Indian companies can develop, manufacture and maintain increasingly sophisticated military systems.
Strengthening India’s Combat Preparedness
The latest approvals come at a time when military modernisation remains a central national security priority. The Indian Armed Forces are increasingly preparing for complex threats involving conventional platforms, drones, electronic warfare, cyber capabilities, precision weapons and information networks.
The ₹1.10 lakh crore package therefore carries significance beyond its financial value. It combines immediate capability enhancement with a long-term objective of building a stronger indigenous defence manufacturing base.
The DAC’s decision is expected to move the approved proposals into subsequent stages of India’s defence acquisition process. As these projects progress, the involvement of Indian manufacturers could further deepen domestic expertise, supply chains and technological capabilities.
With ₹1.10 lakh crore in acquisition proposals approved and approximately 98% earmarked for Indian industry, the decision marks a powerful new push to modernise the armed forces while advancing India’s ambition to become increasingly self-reliant in defence production.
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