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:
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.