Defence Acquisition Council Approves ₹52,000 Crore Defence Acquisition Proposals: Major Capability Boost for India’s Armed Forces
India has taken another significant step towards strengthening its military preparedness. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, has accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisition proposals worth approximately ₹52,000 crore aimed at modernising the Indian Armed Forces.
The approvals cover several cutting-edge weapon systems and technologies for the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, with a strong emphasis on air defence, anti-drone warfare, surveillance, electronic warfare, indigenous capabilities, and future-ready military technologies. The move reflects the Government’s continued focus on enhancing operational readiness amid evolving regional and global security challenges.
What is Acceptance of Necessity (AoN)?
Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) is the first formal stage in India’s defence procurement process. It is an in-principle approval granted by the Defence Acquisition Council after determining that a particular capability is operationally essential for the Armed Forces.
However, AoN does not mean an immediate purchase. Once granted, the proposal moves through:
- Preparation of Request for Proposal (RFP)
- Competitive bidding
- Technical evaluation
- Field trials
- Commercial negotiations
- Final approval (where applicable)
- Contract signing
Therefore, the current approval marks the beginning of the procurement process rather than the delivery of equipment.
Key Highlights of the ₹52,000 Crore Defence Acquisition
The approved acquisitions focus on:
- Counter-drone capability
- Layered air defence
- Anti-armour warfare
- Electronic warfare
- Persistent surveillance
- Naval mine warfare
- Indigenous defence technologies
- Unmanned systems
- Electric propulsion technologies
Collectively, these acquisitions are expected to significantly enhance India’s deterrence capability and operational effectiveness.
Indian Army Gets Major Modernisation Package
The Indian Army received approvals for several high-priority weapon systems designed to address modern battlefield threats.
AKASH TARANG Anti-UAV Electronic Warfare System
One of the biggest approvals is the procurement of the AKASH TARANG Anti-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Electronic Warfare System.
Why it is important
Modern battlefields increasingly rely on drones for:
- Surveillance
- Intelligence gathering
- Target acquisition
- Precision attacks
AKASH TARANG is designed to:
- Detect hostile drones
- Jam communications
- Neutralise UAV threats
- Protect Army formations from drone attacks
Given recent conflicts worldwide, anti-drone systems have become a critical component of modern defence.
MPATGM (Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile)
The DAC also approved procurement of Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) systems.
These lightweight missiles provide infantry soldiers with the capability to destroy:
- Enemy tanks
- Armoured personnel carriers
- Mechanised assault vehicles
The indigenous MPATGM significantly enhances battlefield mobility while reducing dependence on imported anti-tank systems.
Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM)
The MRSAM Weapon System will provide medium-range protection against multiple aerial threats including:
- Fighter aircraft
- Helicopters
- Cruise missiles
- UAVs
This forms an important layer in India’s integrated air defence network.
Very Short Range Air Defence System (V-SHORADS)
The approval also includes V-SHORADS, a highly mobile air defence missile system.
Its primary role is to engage:
- Low-flying aircraft
- Attack helicopters
- Drones
- Cruise missiles
The system incorporates advanced multi-spectral sensing technology, improving effectiveness even in the presence of enemy countermeasures.
Active Protection System (APS) for Tanks
Modern anti-tank missiles pose serious threats even to heavily armoured tanks.
The approved Active Protection System (APS) will:
- Detect incoming missiles
- Track anti-tank threats
- Intercept them before impact
This dramatically improves the survivability of Indian Army armoured formations during combat.
Jet-Based Kamikaze Drone System
Another notable approval is the Jet-Based Kamikaze Drone System, representing India’s growing focus on loitering munitions.
Unlike conventional UAVs, these systems:
- Search for targets
- Loiter over battlefields
- Strike high-value targets with precision
- Provide electronic warfare capability
- Offer cost-effective precision attacks
Recent global conflicts have demonstrated the increasing importance of such systems.
Indian Navy Receives Advanced Maritime Capability Enhancements
The Indian Navy’s approvals focus on strengthening maritime dominance.
Multi Influence Ground Mine (MIGM)
The Navy will procure Multi Influence Ground Mines, capable of restricting enemy naval movement.
These mines respond to multiple signatures including:
- Acoustic
- Magnetic
- Pressure influences
This makes them significantly more effective than traditional naval mines.
Naval Shipborne Unmanned Aerial System (NSUAS)
The DAC approved procurement of Naval Shipborne Unmanned Aerial Systems equipped with advanced sensors.
These UAVs will support:
- Maritime surveillance
- Intelligence gathering
- Reconnaissance
- Target identification
- Situational awareness
Shipborne drones are becoming increasingly vital for modern naval operations.
Land-Based Testing Facility for Electric Propulsion
The Navy will also establish a Land-Based Testing Facility (LBTF) for electric propulsion systems.
The facility will:
- Test electric propulsion technologies
- Validate motors
- Evaluate propulsion components
- Support future indigenous naval platforms
This represents a long-term investment in next-generation naval engineering.
Indian Air Force Gets High-Altitude Surveillance Capability
The Indian Air Force has received approval for procurement of the Fixed-Wing High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (FW-HAPS).
What is FW-HAPS?
A High Altitude Pseudo Satellite is an unmanned aircraft capable of operating in the stratosphere for extended durations.
Unlike conventional UAVs, HAPS can remain airborne for weeks or even months.
Key roles include:
- Persistent Intelligence
- Surveillance
- Reconnaissance (ISR)
- Telecommunications
- Remote sensing
- Border monitoring
Such platforms provide satellite-like coverage while offering greater flexibility and lower operational costs.
Strong Focus on Future Warfare
The approved acquisitions clearly indicate India’s changing defence priorities.
Major focus areas include:
- Drone warfare
- Counter-drone technologies
- Electronic warfare
- Artificial intelligence-enabled surveillance
- Indigenous missile systems
- Network-centric warfare
- Persistent ISR capability
- Smart armoured protection
- Maritime domain awareness
These capabilities align closely with lessons emerging from recent international conflicts where unmanned systems, electronic warfare, and layered air defence have become decisive.
Boost to Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
Another notable aspect is the increasing emphasis on indigenous defence production under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Several approved systems are either:
- Indigenous
- Indigenously developed
- To be manufactured in India
This approach is expected to:
- Reduce import dependence
- Strengthen domestic defence industry
- Promote technology development
- Generate employment
- Enhance strategic autonomy
Why These Approvals Matter
The latest DAC approvals will:
- Strengthen India’s air defence network.
- Improve counter-drone capabilities.
- Enhance anti-armour warfare.
- Modernise naval surveillance.
- Increase maritime deterrence.
- Expand high-altitude surveillance capability.
- Improve electronic warfare preparedness.
- Boost indigenous defence production.
- Prepare the Armed Forces for future multi-domain warfare.
While the AoN represents only the initial stage of procurement, it signals the Government’s strategic intent to rapidly modernise India’s military capabilities in response to evolving security challenges.
Conclusion
The Defence Acquisition Council’s approval of ₹52,000 crore worth of defence procurement proposals marks another milestone in India’s ongoing military modernisation programme. From advanced anti-drone systems and missile defence to naval unmanned platforms and high-altitude pseudo satellites, the approved acquisitions reflect a clear focus on future warfare technologies.
As these projects progress through subsequent procurement stages, they are expected to significantly strengthen the combat effectiveness of the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, while also reinforcing India’s vision of achieving greater self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)?
The Defence Acquisition Council is India’s highest decision-making body for defence procurement. It is chaired by the Raksha Mantri and approves major defence acquisition proposals.
What is Acceptance of Necessity (AoN)?
AoN is the in-principle approval that begins the defence procurement process. It confirms the operational requirement but is not the final purchase order.
What is the value of the latest DAC approval?
The Defence Acquisition Council has approved defence acquisition proposals worth approximately ₹52,000 crore.
Which services received approvals?
The approvals cover acquisitions for the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.
What are the major Army procurements?
Key approvals include AKASH TARANG Anti-UAV EW System, MPATGM, MRSAM, V-SHORADS, Active Protection System for Tanks, and Jet-Based Kamikaze Drones.
How will these acquisitions benefit India’s defence?
The approved systems will enhance air defence, anti-drone capability, surveillance, maritime security, electronic warfare, and overall operational readiness while supporting indigenous defence manufacturing.