New Delhi : The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, has accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN)—the in-principle administrative approval—for various capital acquisition proposals for the Defence Forces with an estimated value of approximately ₹1.10 lakh crore.
The approvals cover major capability enhancements for the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, with approximately 98% of the total procurement planned from Indian industry, giving a significant boost to domestic defence manufacturing and the government’s push for self-reliance in defence.
Indian Army to Receive Advanced Mobility and Combat Systems
For the Indian Army, the DAC approved procurement of Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Recce Vehicles, High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs), Self-Propelled Mechanical Mine Layers (MMLs), Advanced Light Helicopters (ALHs), Trawl Tanks and Sarvatra Bridge Systems.
The CBRN Recce Vehicles will strengthen the Army’s ability to detect, identify, monitor and mark areas contaminated by CBRN agents. HMVs are expected to enhance operational mobility and logistics support, particularly in challenging terrains.
The MMLs will provide rapid and responsive mine-laying capabilities, while ALHs will support complex missions across diverse terrains and operational conditions for the Indian Army and Indian Air Force.
The Trawl Tanks and Sarvatra Bridge Systems will support fighting formations by enabling composite crossings during military operations across varied terrains.
Indian Navy to Strengthen Radar and Propulsion Capabilities
For the Indian Navy, the DAC granted AoN for the procurement of Arudhra Radars and the design, development and subsequent procurement of Marine Gas Turbines (MGTs).
Arudhra Radars will replace existing Air Route Surveillance Radars at various Naval Air Stations. The indigenous development of Marine Gas Turbines, which serve as warship propulsion systems, is expected to reduce dependence on foreign vendors.
IAF to Enhance Electronic Warfare and Secure Access
For the Indian Air Force, the DAC approved several proposals aimed at strengthening the war-fighting capabilities of fighter aircraft, transport platforms and helicopters. Approval was also given for the procurement of Ground-Based Multi-Purpose Jammers (GBMPJs) and installation of the Defence Forces Secure Access Card (DEFSAC) System. The GBMPJ will provide effective jamming capabilities against adversary radars, while DEFSAC will replace existing paper-based identity cards, passes and permits with an interoperable Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-based smart card system.
98% Procurement from Indian Industry
A key highlight of the latest DAC approvals is the strong focus on domestic procurement. Approximately 98% of the total procurements covered by the AoNs will be sourced from Indian industry, reinforcing the country’s defence indigenisation efforts. The approvals are expected to strengthen the operational preparedness of the Armed Forces while creating opportunities for Indian defence manufacturers, technology companies and the wider domestic defence ecosystem.