Defense Acquisition Council Approves ₹79,000 Crore for Military Enhancements

The Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) has authorized a series of capital acquisition proposals totaling approximately ₹79,000 crore, aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. This decision was made during a meeting held at South Block in New Delhi, under the leadership of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

The approved proposals include essential procurements that will significantly bolster India’s military strength. For the Indian Army, the DAC has sanctioned the Nag Missile System (Tracked) Mk-II (NAMIS), the Ground-Based Mobile ELINT System (GBMES), and High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs) equipped with Material Handling Cranes. The NAMIS is designed to improve the Army’s effectiveness in neutralizing enemy tanks and fortified positions, while the GBMES will offer continuous electronic intelligence on adversarial signals.

Key Enhancements for Naval and Air Forces

In addition to the army’s procurements, the DAC has also given its nod to several critical acquisitions for the Indian Navy. These include Landing Platform Docks (LPDs), 30mm Naval Surface Guns (NSGs), Advanced Lightweight Torpedoes (ALWTs), and Electro-Optical Infra-Red Search and Track Systems. The introduction of LPDs will enhance the Navy’s capabilities in conducting amphibious operations and humanitarian missions.

For the Indian Air Force, the DAC approved the Collaborative Long Range Target Saturation/Destruction System (CLRTS/DS) and related proposals. This advanced system will facilitate precision targeting over extended distances, equipped with autonomous capabilities for take-off, landing, navigation, and payload delivery.

The Ministry of Defence emphasized that these decisions align with the government’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, which focuses on promoting self-reliance in defense production through indigenous systems. By enhancing domestic manufacturing and technological capabilities, India aims to reduce reliance on foreign defense equipment and bolster national security.

This latest round of approvals reflects a strategic effort to modernize India’s military forces and ensure they remain adaptive and responsive to the evolving global security landscape. The initiatives are expected to not only strengthen defense capabilities but also stimulate the domestic defense industry, creating jobs and fostering innovation.