New Delhi: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on October 26, accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) to capital acquisition proposals worth approximately ₹2.12 lakh crore for the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.
According to the Ministry of Defence announcement, approximately 82% of the proposed procurements will be sourced from Indian industry, underscoring the focus on domestic defence manufacturing and capability development.
Indian Army to Acquire Advanced Weapons and Surveillance Systems
For the Indian Army, the DAC approved proposals covering High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs), Self-Propelled Tracked Gun Systems, Gun Shot Response Systems (GSRS), Light Multi Role Helicopters (LMRH), Very Short-Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS) and platform-based Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS).
The proposals also include long-range unmanned aerial systems, surveillance UAVs, an Integrated Surveillance and Strike System and a Long Range Kamikaze Drone System.
The HMVs are expected to improve mobility and logistics support in challenging terrain, while the tracked gun systems will provide mechanised formations with enhanced mobility and firepower. The GSRS will deliver real-time situational awareness, and the proposed air defence and counter-drone systems will strengthen protection against emerging aerial threats. The LMRHs are intended for use by both the Army and the Air Force for reconnaissance, surveillance, combat, search and rescue, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
Navy to Strengthen Anti-Missile Defence
For the Indian Navy, the council approved the procurement of an Active Offboard Decoy System (AODS) and other major naval platforms.
The AODS is intended to improve the effectiveness of anti-missile defence, particularly against modern anti-ship missiles. The proposed indigenously designed and constructed naval platforms are expected to incorporate contemporary warfare capabilities and strengthen the Navy’s combat readiness.
Air Force to Get Helicopters and Air Defence Systems
The Indian Air Force received approval for proposals involving helicopters, air defence systems, weapons and Mobile X-Band Doppler Weather Radar Systems. The proposed Special Utility Helicopters will support the Air Force’s air transport requirements, while the X-Band Doppler Weather Radar Systems will provide high-resolution, localised weather surveillance in forward areas.
Domestic Industry to Account for 82% of Proposed Procurement
With approximately 82% of the approved acquisition proposals earmarked for sourcing from Indian industry, the latest decisions are expected to support domestic defence manufacturing while addressing the operational requirements of the three services. The Acceptance of Necessity marks an in-principle approval stage in the defence procurement process; it does not, by itself, mean that contracts have been awarded or that deliveries are imminent.