Defense Acquisition Council Clears Defense Acquisitions Worth ₹79,000 Crore

India has taken a major step towards strengthening its military preparedness as the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) approved defense capital acquisition proposals worth around ₹79,000 crore. The approvals aim to significantly enhance strike capability, surveillance, communication and training infrastructure across the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. The decision reflects the government’s continued focus on modernizing the armed forces to meet evolving security challenges.

Army Acquisitions

• For the Indian Army, the DAC approved several advanced systems aimed at improving precision strike and air defense capabilities.
• Key approvals include amunition systems for artillery units, low level lightweight radars to detect small and low flying drones and long-range guided rocket ammunition for the Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System.
• The Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System Mk-II was also cleared to protect vital assets in both frontline and hinterland areas.

Navy Acquisitions

• The Indian Navy will benefit from approvals focused on maritime operations and surveillance.
• The DAC cleared procurement of bollard pull tugs to assist naval ships and submarines during harbor operations, high frequency software-defined radios for secure long range communication and the leasing of high altitude long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft systems.
• These platforms will strengthen maritime domain awareness, especially across the Indian Ocean Region.

Air Force Acquisitions

• For the Indian Air Force, approvals were granted for systems that enhance combat effectiveness, training and flight safety.
• These include Astra Mk-II air-to-air missiles with extended engagement range, SPICE-1000 long-range precision guidance kits.
• Full mission simulators for the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, and automatic take off and landing recording systems.
• Together, these systems will improve air combat capability while ensuring safer and more cost-effective pilot training.

Significance of the Decision

• The ₹79,000 crore clearance underlines India’s commitment to modernizing its armed forces through advanced technology.
• It also supports operational readiness across land, sea and air domains, ensuring better preparedness against conventional and emerging threats such as drones and long-range precision strikes.

Static Takeaways

• Defence Acquisition Council: Apex defence procurement body
• Chairperson: Defence Minister of India
• Approval Category: Acceptance of Necessity (AoN)
• Key focus areas: Precision strike, surveillance, air defense, training
• Services covered: Army, Navy and Air Force

Question

Q. Which Indian services are covered under the DAC approvals?

A) Army only
B) Army and Navy
C) Army, Navy and Air Force
D) Navy and Air Force