In a significant move to bolster its defense capabilities and promote self-reliance, India has approved defense acquisition proposals worth ₹1.05 lakh crore. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, granted the "Acceptance of Necessity" (AoN) for ten capital acquisition proposals, all sourced from indigenous manufacturers. This decision, the first major one since Operation Sindoor, underscores India's commitment to strengthening its armed forces with domestically produced equipment.

The approved acquisitions span across the Army, Navy, and Air Force, focusing on enhancing operational preparedness, mobility, air defense, and maritime security. Key approvals include:

• For the Army: Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARVs) for improved battlefield mobility, Electronic Warfare Systems to enhance communication security, an Integrated Common Inventory Management System to streamline logistics across the Tri-Services, and Surface-to-Air Missiles to bolster air defense capabilities. Specifically, the procurement includes Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) systems developed by the DRDO, with regiments for the Army and squadrons for the IAF. These QRSAMs are designed to intercept hostile fighters, helicopters, and drones at ranges up to 30km.
• For the Navy: Mine Counter Measure Vessels (MCMVs) for mine-hunting and clearance operations, Moored Mines to secure strategic maritime chokepoints, Super Rapid Gun Mounts (SRGMs) for enhanced shipborne firepower, and Submersible Autonomous Vessels for underwater surveillance. The acquisition of 12 MCMVs is a crucial step, as the Navy currently lacks operational minesweepers. The last of its previous minesweepers were decommissioned six years ago. Approvals were also accorded for procurement of moored mines, super rapid gun mount and submersible autonomous vessels. These procurements will enable mitigation of potential risks posed to the naval and merchant vessels.
• Tri-Services: An Integrated Common Inventory Management System aims to streamline logistics across all three branches of the Indian armed forces.

These acquisitions are geared towards enhancing the operational readiness of the armed forces by improving mobility, air defense, and supply chain management. The focus on indigenous sourcing aligns with the government's vision of "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India), promoting domestic defense manufacturing and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.

The procurement of intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition & reconnaissance (ISTAR) planes is another significant project. These aircraft will be equipped with indigenous sensors and systems developed by DRDO, including synthetic aperture radars and electro-optical and infrared sensors, to gather real-time actionable intelligence on enemy infrastructure and movements.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has emphasized the government's commitment to fulfilling the capital equipment requests of the defense forces. This commitment is further reinforced by the recent Operation Sindoor, which showcased the capabilities of the defense forces and the importance of technology and ammunition. This latest round of approvals by the DAC is expected to provide a substantial boost to indigenous defense industries, encouraging them to design, develop, and manufacture military systems within the country.