New Delhi: The Defence Ministry on Monday approved major procurement proposals amounting to ₹79,000 crore, aimed at strengthening India’s overall combat preparedness and operational capability across the Army, Navy and Air Force. The clearances were granted by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), which is responsible for approving capital acquisition plans for the armed forces.
According to official information, the approved proposals cover a wide range of military equipment and systems designed to enhance firepower, surveillance, and defensive capabilities. These procurements are expected to significantly boost the operational readiness of the three services in line with evolving security requirements.
For the Indian Army, the approvals include the acquisition of long-range rockets and missiles, which are intended to enhance strike capability and firepower. In addition, the Army will procure loiter munition systems, which are designed to provide precision engagement capabilities. Advanced radar systems have also been cleared to strengthen detection and tracking abilities. The Defence Ministry has further approved integrated drone detection and interdiction systems, aimed at countering unmanned aerial threats.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) will receive a range of advanced systems and equipment under the approved proposals. Among the key items cleared are Astra Mk-II air-to-air missiles, which are intended to enhance the Air Force’s combat capabilities. The DAC has also approved the procurement of SPICE-1000 guidance kits, which are used to improve the accuracy of air-delivered munitions.
In addition to weapon systems, the approvals for the Air Force include simulators that will support pilot training and operational preparedness. An automatic take-off and landing recording system has also been cleared, which is expected to assist in improving operational safety and training assessment.
The Indian Navy will also benefit from the procurement approvals, with a focus on strengthening communication and surveillance capabilities. The DAC has cleared the acquisition of high-frequency software-defined radios, which are used to enhance secure and reliable communication across naval platforms.
The Navy will also lease high-altitude long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft systems. These platforms are intended to enhance maritime surveillance capabilities, allowing for sustained monitoring over large areas. Such systems play a key role in intelligence gathering and situational awareness in maritime domains.
The Defence Ministry stated that the approvals are aligned with the objective of enhancing the armed forces’ ability to respond effectively to present and future security challenges. By covering a broad spectrum of equipment across land, air and sea domains, the procurement decisions are expected to contribute to a more integrated and robust defence posture.
Officials noted that the cleared projects are focused on improving core operational areas such as firepower, surveillance, communication and counter-drone capabilities. The inclusion of advanced radar systems, missiles and unmanned platforms reflects the emphasis on modern warfare requirements.
The approvals also underline the government’s continued focus on equipping the armed forces with advanced technologies and systems to maintain readiness across multiple operational scenarios. While the procurement process will move forward as per established procedures, the clearances mark a significant step in enhancing the capabilities of the three services.
With the Defence Acquisition Council’s nod, the projects will now proceed to the next stages of procurement and implementation. The Defence Ministry emphasized that these acquisitions are intended to ensure that the armed forces remain well-equipped to safeguard national security interests.
The ₹79,000 crore clearance represents one of the significant defence procurement decisions in recent times, reinforcing the government’s commitment to strengthening India’s military capabilities across all three services.
