India's Ministry of Defence (MoD) has recently cleared a substantial package of arms deals, totaling approximately Rs 67,000 crore, signaling a significant boost to the operational capabilities of the Indian armed forces. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, granted the initial Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for these projects, which encompass a range of modern military hardware and upgrades. These acquisitions aim to enhance mobility, surveillance, and combat readiness across various terrains and missions.

A key highlight of the approved deals is the procurement of over 110 BrahMos missiles, a supersonic cruise missile system developed jointly by India and Russia. This acquisition will include all three versions of the BrahMos missile: air-launched, ship-based, and ground-based. The BrahMos is known for its high speed and precision, enhancing both offensive and defensive operations of the Indian Armed Forces. It has a range of up to 500 kilometers and improves India's ability to strike key military and infrastructure assets, strengthening border security and overall combat readiness. The Indian Army is already in the process of acquiring approximately 250 BrahMos missiles in a deal valued at around $2.4 billion. The missile has proven its capabilities and played a pivotal role in recent operations, such as Operation Sindoor, where it inflicted heavy damage on Pakistani military installations.

In addition to the BrahMos missiles, the MoD has also approved the procurement of 87 armed drones. This includes the acquisition of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs) for the Army, Air Force, and Navy. These MALE RPAs are capable of carrying multiple payloads and weapons, operating at longer ranges, and providing round-the-clock surveillance and combat capabilities.

The Indian Navy will also receive compact autonomous surface craft and upgrades to its BARAK-1 point defense missile system. The autonomous surface craft will enhance the Navy's capabilities for detecting, classifying, and neutralizing threats in anti-submarine warfare missions.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will benefit from the procurement of mountain radars and upgrades to its SAKSHAM/Spyder weapon system. The mountain radars will improve air surveillance capabilities along the mountainous regions of India's borders, while the Spyder system upgrade will integrate with the IAF's Integrated Air Command and Control System, enhancing air defense capabilities.

Furthermore, the DAC has approved the sustenance of the IAF's C-17 and C-130J transport aircraft fleets, along with a comprehensive annual maintenance contract for the S-400 long-range air defense missile system. The S-400 system played a key role during Operation Sindoor.

These acquisitions are aimed at modernizing the Indian military and enhancing its operational capabilities across various domains. The procurement of advanced systems like the BrahMos missiles and armed drones will significantly boost India's defense preparedness and its ability to counter threats along its borders.