India is sharpening its battlefield edge with the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approving procurement proposals worth approximately Rs 79,000 crore to bolster the capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces. Chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the DAC granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for a range of advanced equipment and systems for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The approvals, made on December 29, 2025, reflect India's commitment to modernizing its military and enhancing its operational readiness in response to evolving security challenges.
A significant focus of the approved acquisitions is on enhancing the Indian Army's precision strike capabilities and counter-drone defenses. The DAC cleared the procurement of Loiter Munition Systems for artillery regiments, enabling them to strike tactical, time-sensitive targets with high precision. These systems can hover over a target area before striking, making them ideal for modern combat scenarios. To address the rising threat from hostile drones, the Army will also acquire Low Level Light Weight Radars capable of detecting and tracking small, low-flying unmanned aerial systems. Furthermore, the DAC approved the procurement of the Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDDIS) Mk-II, providing extended-range protection for vital military assets in both tactical battle areas and hinterland locations. The Army will also receive Long Range Guided Rocket Ammunition for the Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MRLS), enhancing the range and accuracy to engage high-value targets effectively.
For the Indian Navy, the DAC cleared proposals for the procurement of Bollard Pull (BP) Tugs, High Frequency Software Defined Radio (HF SDR) Manpack systems, and the leasing of High Altitude Long Range (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). The BP Tugs will assist naval ships and submarines during berthing, unberthing, and maneuvering in confined harbor waters, while the HF SDR Manpack systems will improve secure communication capabilities. The HALE RPAS are being leased for continuous intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance over the Indian Ocean region, enhancing maritime domain awareness.
The Indian Air Force will receive a boost with the procurement of the Automatic Take-off and Landing Recording System, Astra Mk-II air-to-air missiles, a Full Mission Simulator for the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, and SPICE-1000 long-range guidance kits. The Automatic Take-off and Landing Recording System will enhance aerospace safety by providing high-definition, all-weather recording of critical flight phases. The Astra Mk-II missiles, with enhanced range, will improve the Air Force's ability to engage hostile aircraft from extended stand-off distances. The Full Mission Simulator for the LCA Tejas will provide realistic training for pilots, while the SPICE-1000 long-range guidance kits will enhance the precision strike capabilities of the Air Force.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commented on the DAC's approvals, stating that the Ministry is working tirelessly to strengthen India's defence preparedness. He emphasized that the decisions taken will help in enhancing the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces.
These acquisitions reflect India's proactive approach to modernizing its military and equipping it with cutting-edge technologies to address contemporary security challenges. The focus on loiter munitions, anti-drone systems, advanced missiles, and enhanced surveillance capabilities demonstrates India's commitment to maintaining a credible deterrent and safeguarding its national interests. The DAC's approvals pave the way for significant contracts that could benefit companies like Bharat Electronics, Hindustan Aeronautics, and Zen Technologies, boosting indigenous defence production and furthering India's self-reliance in the defence sector. While the AoN is a crucial step, it marks the beginning of the procurement process.
