DAC Approves Rs 1.1 Lakh Crore Defence Proposals, Boosting Missiles, Radars and Indigenous Manufacturing

India has cleared defence procurement proposals worth approximately ₹1.1 lakh crore, giving a major push to military modernisation while placing a strong emphasis on domestic manufacturing. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for a wide range of equipment and systems for the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. One of the most significant aspects of the latest approvals is that around 98 per cent of the procurement is expected to be sourced from Indian industry, according to the Defence Ministry.

The decision comes as the government continues to strengthen its focus on self-reliance in defence production and reduce dependence on imported military equipment. The latest approvals cover systems required for surveillance, mobility, electronic warfare, battlefield engineering and specialised military operations. For the Indian Army, the approved acquisitions include Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear reconnaissance vehicles, High Mobility Vehicles, Self-Propelled Mechanical Mine Layers, Advanced Light Helicopters, Trawl Tanks and the Sarvatra Bridge System. These systems are expected to strengthen the Army's ability to operate in difficult terrain while improving troop mobility, battlefield engineering and preparedness against specialised threats.

The CBRN reconnaissance vehicles will provide troops with the ability to detect and identify hazardous contamination and mark affected areas. Mobility and bridging equipment will help military formations negotiate challenging terrain and improve operational movement. The Indian Navy is also set to receive new capabilities under the package. The DAC has approved the procurement of Arudhra radars for naval air stations, which will strengthen surveillance and airspace monitoring around naval facilities. The council has also cleared proposals relating to the design, development and procurement of Marine Gas Turbines for naval applications.

The development of marine propulsion technology within India is particularly important for the Navy because propulsion systems are among the most critical components of modern warships. Greater domestic capability in this area could help reduce dependence on foreign technology and suppliers over the longer term.

The Indian Air Force will receive equipment aimed at enhancing its operational capabilities, including a Ground-Based Multi-Purpose Jammer. The electronic warfare system is intended to improve India's ability to counter hostile radar and electromagnetic threats. The latest procurement decisions also include measures aimed at improving secure access and identification systems within the armed forces. An interoperable radio-frequency identification-based smart-card system has been approved to replace existing paper-based identity cards, passes and permits.

The government's decision to source almost the entire procurement package from Indian industry is expected to provide a substantial boost to the country's defence manufacturing ecosystem. Domestic companies, including major defence manufacturers and smaller suppliers, could benefit from increased demand for military electronics, radars, vehicles, helicopters, propulsion systems and other specialised equipment.

The approvals are also aligned with the broader Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, under which India has been seeking to build domestic capabilities across the defence supply chain. In recent years, the government has increasingly used domestic procurement to encourage Indian companies to invest in manufacturing, research and development and advanced defence technologies.

The ₹1.1 lakh crore figure should not be interpreted as contracts already awarded. The Acceptance of Necessity is an important initial step in the defence acquisition process and allows individual procurement proposals to move ahead. Further stages, including technical evaluation, commercial negotiations and contract signing, will determine when the equipment is actually ordered and delivered.

The latest DAC approvals nevertheless underline the government's intention to link military modernisation with the expansion of India's domestic defence industry. As the armed forces seek newer technologies and greater operational capabilities, the growing role of Indian manufacturers could help create a stronger defence production base while supporting the country's long-term goal of reducing import dependence. With nearly 98 per cent of the newly approved procurement expected to come from Indian industry, the latest decision marks another significant step towards building a more self-reliant defence sector while equipping India's armed forces with modern military capabilities.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.