India's Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has given the green light to procurements worth ₹1.05 lakh crore ($12.31 billion). This significant move, made on Thursday, July 3, 2025, aims to bolster the capabilities of the armed forces through indigenous sourcing. The approvals, formally termed "Acceptance of Necessity" (AoN), pave the way for acquiring a range of military equipment and systems designed and manufactured within India.
The approved proposals encompass a variety of essential military assets. These include Armoured Recovery Vehicles, Electronic Warfare Systems, an Integrated Common Inventory Management System for the Tri-Services, and Surface-to-Air Missiles. These acquisitions are expected to significantly enhance the Indian military's operational readiness by providing higher mobility, effective air defense, and improved supply chain management.
In addition to these, the DAC has also cleared AoNs for procuring Moored Mines, Mine Counter Measure Vessels, Super Rapid Gun Mounts, and Submersible Autonomous Vessels. These acquisitions are geared towards strengthening maritime security by mitigating potential threats to naval and merchant vessels.
The emphasis on indigenous sourcing aligns with the Indian government's commitment to "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-Reliant India) in the defense sector. By promoting domestic defense manufacturing, the government aims to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and foster a robust defense industrial base within the country. Approvals have been granted under the 'Buy (Indian-IDDM)' category, ensuring the active participation of Indian vendors and encouraging further development within the domestic defense ecosystem.
The DAC's recent approvals are part of a broader effort to modernize the Indian armed forces and enhance their capabilities across all domains. In March 2025, the council granted initial approval for ₹540 billion ($6.26 billion) worth of arms and equipment, including more powerful engines for T-90 battle tanks, additional anti-submarine torpedoes, and airborne early warning and control aircraft systems. These decisions reflect the government's commitment to equipping the armed forces with the latest technology and ensuring their readiness to address emerging security challenges.
