In a landmark move aimed at strengthening national security and enhancing self-reliance in defence production, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved military procurement proposals worth ₹67,000 crore. This significant step underscores the government’s commitment to modernising the armed forces under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative.
Key Highlights of the DAC Approval
The Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, gave the green light to a series of procurement plans spanning the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. All approvals fall under the ‘Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured)’ category—ensuring that Indian defence industries take the lead in supplying these high-end technologies and systems.
The ₹67,000 Crore Proposal Includes:
- New-generation weapons systems
- Advanced surveillance and targeting equipment
- Communication and electronic warfare systems
- Indigenously developed helicopters and drones
- Armoured vehicles and enhanced infantry gear
Major Beneficiaries: Indian Armed Forces
Each branch of the military will benefit from the approved proposals:
- Indian Army: The Army is set to acquire advanced communication systems, artillery platforms, and enhanced night-fighting capabilities. New generation gear for soldiers, including state-of-the-art bulletproof vests and helmets, has also been cleared.
- Indian Navy: The Navy will receive approvals for next-generation surveillance platforms, coastal radar upgrades, and indigenous unmanned underwater vehicles for intelligence gathering and mine detection.
- Indian Air Force: The Air Force is expected to receive upgrades to radar systems, electronic warfare suites, and advanced missile systems—all developed by Indian defence startups and PSUs.
A Boost for Aatmanirbhar Bharat
This massive procurement plan aligns with the government’s push for localised defence manufacturing. With more than 75% of the procurement value allocated to Indian vendors, it is expected to give a significant push to domestic industries including Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and several private sector defence tech startups.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized that these approvals not only strengthen India’s strategic preparedness but also create a thriving ecosystem for indigenous defence manufacturing and innovation.
Strategic Significance
The move comes at a time when India faces increasing geopolitical tensions in its neighbourhood. By focusing on rapid capability enhancement, the DAC aims to make the armed forces more agile, self-reliant, and technologically advanced.
Moreover, this procurement is expected to generate thousands of jobs in manufacturing, engineering, R&D, and ancillary industries, further driving economic growth.
The Defence Acquisition Council’s nod to ₹67,000 crore worth of military purchases marks a pivotal moment for India’s national defence strategy. By focusing on indigenisation, operational readiness, and long-term self-sufficiency, the nation is taking a bold leap toward building a robust, modern military equipped to handle emerging global challenges.
As the approved proposals now move toward execution, India’s defence ecosystem is poised for transformation—one that could redefine its strategic posture for years to come.
