Defence Acquisition Council Clears ₹67,000 Crore Proposals to Boost India’s Military Capabilities

In a major step to modernize India’s defence forces and enhance indigenous capabilities, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, approved capital acquisition proposals worth approximately ₹67,000 crore on August 5, 2025. The wide-ranging approvals span all three branches of the Armed Forces—Army, Navy, and Air Force—and mark a significant push towards self-reliance, advanced surveillance, combat readiness, and operational efficiency under the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

Indian Army: Enhancing Night-Time Combat Mobility

The DAC granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of Thermal Imager-based Driver Night Sight for the BMP Infantry Combat Vehicle. This advanced thermal sight will significantly improve:

• Night driving capabilities for BMP operators

• Mobility and maneuverability in low-light or no-light combat scenarios

• Operational advantage for Mechanised Infantry, especially during cross-border patrols and high-intensity operations

By upgrading BMP capabilities with indigenous thermal imaging solutions, the Army strengthens its readiness for all-weather and night-time engagements.

Indian Navy: Anti-Submarine and Missile System Enhancements

For the Indian Navy, the DAC cleared multiple critical procurements aimed at strengthening maritime security and surface warfare capabilities:

1. Compact Autonomous Surface Craft (CASC)

These unmanned systems will provide:

• Autonomous surveillance and patrolling in coastal and blue-water areas

• Detection, classification, and neutralisation of underwater threats

• Enhanced capability in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions, especially in littoral zones

2. BrahMos Fire Control System and Launchers

Upgrading India’s supersonic missile infrastructure, the approved systems will:

• Improve accuracy and deployment speed of BrahMos missiles

• Expand the Navy’s standoff strike and precision engagement capabilities

3. Upgradation of BARAK-1 Point Defence Missile System

This will bolster the Navy’s close-in air and missile defence capability, allowing quicker response to aerial threats near naval platforms.

Indian Air Force: Improved Surveillance and Air Defence Systems

The Indian Air Force (IAF) received crucial upgrades through DAC’s approvals, strengthening both offensive and defensive air capabilities:

1. Mountain Radars

These will enhance:

• Long-range surveillance in difficult mountainous terrain

• Monitoring across borders with high-altitude challenges, such as the Northern and Eastern frontiers

2. Upgradation of SAKSHAM/SPYDER Weapon System

The upgrade will enable:

• Integration with the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS)

• Improved interoperability and rapid response for air defence

• Greater automation, data sharing, and situational awareness across theatre commands

All Services: MALE Drones to Boost Surveillance and Strike Capability

One of the most transformative proposals approved is the procurement of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs) for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. These unmanned aerial systems will:

• Operate at long ranges with extended mission endurance

• Carry multiple payloads and precision strike weapons

• Provide round-the-clock intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities

• Enable persistent monitoring of critical theatres, including border areas and maritime zones

This acquisition aligns with India’s growing focus on drone warfare, autonomous systems, and network-centric operations.

Strategic Sustainment and Long-Term Maintenance

In addition to new procurements, the DAC approved proposals ensuring long-term operational readiness and maintenance of high-value assets, including:

• Sustenance of C-17 Globemaster and C-130J Super Hercules aircraft fleets

  • These strategic airlift platforms are crucial for rapid troop movement, humanitarian missions, and combat logistics

• Comprehensive Annual Maintenance Contract (CAMC) for the S-400 Long Range Air Defence Missile System

  • Ensures uninterrupted support, servicing, and availability of one of India’s most advanced defence assets

A Push Toward Self-Reliance and Operational Excellence

These approvals reflect the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to:

• Modernizing the armed forces with cutting-edge technology

• Encouraging indigenous production and capability development

• Ensuring preparedness for diverse operational theatres—from land and sea to air and cyberspace

With many of these acquisitions likely to be executed under the Make in India and Buy (Indian-IDDM) categories, the decisions also aim to catalyze India’s defence manufacturing sector and reduce reliance on imports.

The Defence Acquisition Council’s ₹67,000 crore approvals represent a robust step towards a more agile, capable, and future-ready Indian military. From thermal imaging for armoured vehicles and autonomous naval systems to advanced air surveillance and drone-based warfare, these projects collectively strengthen India’s defence architecture, ensure battlefield dominance, and support national security objectives in an increasingly complex regional and global environment.