The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisition proposals worth approximately ₹2.12 lakh crore for the Indian Armed Forces. About 82% of the approved procurements are expected to be sourced from Indian industry. The approvals cover equipment and systems for the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, with the aim of strengthening operational mobility, surveillance, air defence and combat capabilities.
For the Indian Army, the council approved proposals for High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs), a Self-Propelled Tracked Gun System, Gun Shot Response System (GSRS), Light Multi Role Helicopters (LMRH), Very Short-Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS), platform-based counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), long-range unmanned aerial systems, surveillance UAVs, an Integrated Surveillance and Strike System and a Long Range Kamikaze Drone System.
The HMVs are expected to improve logistics and mobility in difficult terrain, while the tracked gun system will provide mechanised formations with mobility and firepower. The GSRS will offer real-time situational awareness. The LMRHs, intended for use by both the Army and Air Force, will support reconnaissance, surveillance, combat operations, search and rescue, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
The VSHORADS will address emerging threats from small aerial platforms, while the counter-drone systems are intended to improve the survivability of tanks on the battlefield. The proposed surveillance and drone systems will strengthen the Army’s ability to monitor and engage targets.
For the Indian Navy, the DAC approved the procurement of an Active Offboard Decoy System (AODS) and other major naval platforms. The AODS is designed to improve protection against anti-ship missiles, while indigenously designed and constructed naval platforms will add modern warfare capabilities.
The Indian Air Force received approval for helicopters, air defence systems, weapons and Mobile X-Band Doppler Weather Radar Systems. Special Utility Helicopters will help meet air transport requirements, while the weather radars will provide high-resolution, localised surveillance in forward areas. The AoN represents an in-principle approval to proceed with the acquisition process and is not the same as a completed purchase or contract award. The proposals cover a broad range of equipment intended to address operational requirements across the three services.
The high share of planned procurement from domestic industry is expected to support Indian defence manufacturing and the development of indigenous capabilities. The approvals form part of ongoing efforts to modernise the armed forces and strengthen the domestic defence production base.
