India Clears ₹79,000 Crore Defence Procurement to Strengthen Military Readiness

In a decisive move aimed at strengthening national security and accelerating military modernisation, the Government of India has approved defence procurement proposals worth approximately ₹79,000 crore. The clearance was granted by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, marking one of the most substantial defence approvals in recent years. The decision reflects India’s intent to enhance its combat readiness across land, sea, and air amid an increasingly complex regional and global security environment.

The approvals, known as Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), cover a wide spectrum of advanced military hardware and systems for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. These acquisitions are designed to significantly improve surveillance, precision strike capability, communication security, and training infrastructure across the three services.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. (Photo: PTI) | Business Standard

Indian Army to Gain Enhanced Firepower and Battlefield Awareness

For the Indian Army, the approved procurements focus on improving precision strike capabilities, counter-drone measures, and battlefield surveillance. The clearance includes advanced loiter munition systems that allow for accurate targeting of enemy assets, long-range guided ammunition for the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system, and lightweight low-level radars capable of detecting small aerial threats such as drones and low-flying aircraft.

In addition, the Army will receive integrated drone detection and interdiction systems aimed at countering the growing threat posed by unmanned aerial vehicles in modern warfare. These systems are expected to provide layered defence against hostile surveillance and attack drones, particularly in sensitive border regions.

Indian Navy Strengthens Maritime Surveillance and Operational Capability

The Indian Navy’s share of the procurement is focused on improving maritime domain awareness, communication security, and operational efficiency. Among the key approvals is the leasing of high-altitude long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft systems, which will significantly enhance persistent surveillance over vast stretches of the Indian Ocean Region.

The Navy will also acquire high-frequency software-defined radios to strengthen secure communication during naval operations, along with specialised tugboats to support manoeuvring of large vessels in ports and harbours. These additions are expected to improve both frontline operations and logistical support, reinforcing India’s naval presence in strategically critical waters.

Indian Air Force Upgrades Combat and Training Capabilities

The Indian Air Force is set to benefit from advanced weaponry and training systems approved under the procurement package. The clearance includes Astra Mk-II beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, which will substantially enhance the Air Force’s aerial combat capability with extended range and improved accuracy.

Alongside combat systems, the Air Force will receive full mission simulators for the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, enabling cost-effective and high-fidelity pilot training. Automatic take-off and landing recording systems have also been approved to improve flight safety and operational data analysis. Additionally, long-range precision strike capability will be strengthened through the procurement of SPICE-1000 guidance kits.

Boost to Indigenous Defence Manufacturing

A significant aspect of the ₹79,000 crore procurement is its alignment with India’s broader push for defence self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives. A large portion of the approved systems are either indigenously designed or manufactured, providing a major boost to India’s domestic defence industry.

By prioritising local production, the government aims to reduce dependence on imports, encourage technological innovation, and strengthen the defence manufacturing ecosystem. This approach is also expected to generate employment, enhance skill development, and promote long-term sustainability in the sector.

The MGMM Outlook

India’s clearance of ₹79,000 crore worth of defence procurement reflects a decisive shift toward strengthening national security amid an increasingly volatile regional and global environment. The approvals granted by the Defence Acquisition Council signal a clear intent to close critical capability gaps across land, sea, and air by investing in precision strike systems, advanced surveillance, counter-drone technologies, secure communications, and realistic training infrastructure. The focus on loiter munitions, long-range guided rockets, high-endurance drones, beyond-visual-range missiles, and mission simulators highlights a recognition that modern warfare demands speed, accuracy, information dominance, and preparedness across multiple domains simultaneously.

Equally significant is the strong emphasis on indigenous manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India frameworks. By prioritising locally designed and produced systems, the government is not only enhancing operational readiness but also strengthening strategic autonomy and reducing long-term dependence on foreign suppliers. This approach supports the growth of India’s domestic defence ecosystem, encourages innovation, and builds sustainable industrial capacity while sending a firm message of deterrence. Taken together, these approvals underscore a broader national resolve to align military modernisation with self-reliance, ensuring that India’s armed forces are better equipped to respond to evolving security challenges.

(Sources: The HinduBusinessLine, The Economic Times, Business Standard)