India has approved a major new round of defence acquisition proposals estimated at around ₹1.10 lakh crore, marking another significant step in the modernisation of the country’s armed forces and strengthening domestic defence manufacturing.
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for a range of military procurement proposals covering the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force. The approvals are intended to enhance operational preparedness, mobility, surveillance and combat capabilities across the three services.
A major feature of the latest procurement push is the strong focus on indigenous sourcing. According to the Defence Ministry, approximately 98% of the approved procurements are expected to be sourced from Indian industry. This is aligned with the government’s broader push for self-reliance in defence production and greater participation of domestic manufacturers in major military programmes.
For the Indian Army, the approved requirements include Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) reconnaissance vehicles, high-mobility vehicles, self-propelled mechanical mine layers, trawl tanks and the Sarvatra bridge system. These capabilities are expected to improve the Army’s ability to operate across challenging terrain while enhancing battlefield mobility and engineering support.
The Indian Navy will also receive major capability upgrades under the approved proposals. The procurement package includes Arudhra radar systems and marine gas turbines, which are intended to strengthen surveillance capabilities and improve propulsion-related requirements for naval platforms. The emphasis on advanced sensors and propulsion technology comes as the Navy continues to expand and modernise its fleet.
For the Indian Air Force, the approvals cover requirements aimed at improving the operational effectiveness of its fighter and transport aircraft fleet. The wider procurement programme also includes advanced light helicopters, adding to India’s efforts to improve aerial mobility and support capabilities for the armed forces.
The latest DAC decision comes as India continues to accelerate military modernisation amid evolving security challenges. By directing a large majority of the procurement value towards Indian industry, the government is also seeking to expand domestic production capacity, strengthen defence supply chains and reduce dependence on overseas suppliers.
The ₹1.10 lakh crore approval is an in-principle clearance rather than the final signing of individual contracts. The projects will subsequently move through the required procurement and contracting procedures before actual orders are concluded.
With the latest approvals, India’s defence acquisition strategy is increasingly combining operational modernisation with industrial self-reliance. The large domestic sourcing component could provide further momentum to India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem while enabling the armed forces to introduce new equipment and upgrade existing capabilities.