The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has granted preliminary approval for military modernization projects worth ₹79,000 crore. A key decision includes the ₹1,600-crore lease of two additional MQ-9B 'Predator' high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS). These drones will supplement the two existing Predators operated by the Navy for long-range surveillance missions. The lease is intended as a stop-gap measure until India receives 31 armed MQ-9B RPAS in 2029-30 under a $3.8 billion deal with the United States, finalized in October of the previous year.
The DAC's recent approvals reflect India's commitment to modernizing its armed forces and enhancing operational capabilities across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The focus is on acquiring advanced systems for precision strikes, counter-drone measures, and comprehensive surveillance.
For the Indian Army, the DAC has approved the procurement of loitering munition systems for artillery regiments, low-level lightweight radars, long-range guided rocket ammunition for the Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), and an Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDDIS) Mk-II. These acquisitions aim to provide precision strike capabilities against tactical targets, enhance the ability to detect and track small, low-flying unmanned aerial systems, and improve the range and accuracy of the Pinaka MLRS. The IDDIS Mk-II, with its extended range, will safeguard vital military assets in both tactical battle areas and hinterland locations. The system is designed to detect, track, and neutralize hostile drones, even those using low-power, frequency-agile, and non-standard signals, making it effective against swarm tactics and electronic warfare threats.
The Indian Navy will procure Bollard Pull (BP) tugs, High Frequency Software-Defined Radios (HF SDR) Manpacks, and the High Altitude Long Range (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). The BP tugs will assist naval ships and submarines during berthing and maneuvering in confined harbor waters, while the HF SDR Manpacks will strengthen long-range secure communication during boarding and landing operations. The HALE RPAS will provide continuous intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, enhancing maritime domain awareness across the Indian Ocean Region.
For the Indian Air Force, the DAC has approved the acquisition of Astra Mk-II beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, a Full Mission Simulator for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Automatic Take-Off and Landing Recording Systems, and SPICE-1000 long-range guidance kits. The Astra Mk-II missiles will increase the IAF's ability to engage hostile aircraft from extended stand-off distances, while the Full Mission Simulator will support advanced pilot training and operational readiness. The Automatic Take-Off and Landing Recording System will enhance aerospace safety by providing high-definition, all-weather recording of critical flight phases.
The procurement proposals also include the acquisition of indigenous Astra Mk-II beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles to sharpen the precision strike capability of the Indian Air Force, and long-range guided rocket ammunition for the army's Pinaka multiple launch rocket system (MLRS).
