From Drones to Missiles: DAC Clears Massive Rs 79,000-Crore Defence Buy

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Delhi: In a significant step towards strengthening India’s military preparedness, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for defence procurement proposals worth around Rs 79,000 crore.The approvals cover key capability enhancements for the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, focusing on precision strike, air defence, surveillance, secure communications and training, officials said.

Army Gets Precision Strike, Anti-Drone Systems

For the Indian Army, the DAC cleared the induction of Loiter Munition Systems, boosting precision strike capability against high-value targets in modern combat scenarios. The Army will also procure Low Level Light Weight Radars to detect and track small, low-flying aerial threats, particularly drones.

To counter the growing unmanned aerial threat, the Council approved the Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDDIS) Mk-II, aimed at safeguarding critical military installations and vital infrastructure. In a further boost to firepower, AoN was granted for Long Range Guided Rocket Ammunition for the Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher System, significantly enhancing deep-strike capability.

Navy Boosts Maritime Surveillance, Communications

The Indian Navy received clearance for leasing High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems, strengthening long-range maritime surveillance and domain awareness. The Navy will also induct High Frequency Software Defined Radio (HF SDR) Manpacks to improve secure long-range communication during operations.In addition, AoN was granted for Bollard Pull (BP) Tugs, critical for the safe manoeuvring and berthing of naval ships and submarines in harbours.

IAF Enhances Air Combat, Training

For the Indian Air Force, the DAC approved the acquisition of Astra Mk-II Beyond Visual Range air-to-air missiles, providing increased range and combat effectiveness. The Council also cleared a Full Mission Simulator for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, supporting advanced pilot training and operational readiness.To enhance flight safety and precision strike capability, approvals were granted for Automatic Take-Off and Landing Recording Systems and SPICE-1000 Long-Range Guidance Kits.

Focus on Readiness

Officials said the approvals underline the government’s focus on rapid modernisation, operational readiness and technological edge across all three services, amid evolving security challenges.