By N. C. Bipindra

New Delhi: In a significant move to bolster India’s defence preparedness, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on August 5, cleared proposals worth ₹67,000 crore.

These ‘Acceptance of Necessity’ approvals — meaning the procurement proposal has been accepted in principle — aim to enhance the operational capability of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, while strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Indian Army: Enhanced Night Combat Capability for Mechanised Infantry

The Indian Army’s procurement of Thermal Imager-based Driver Night Sights for BMP Infantry Combat Vehicles marks a crucial upgrade for its mechanised forces.

These sights will significantly improve mobility and operational efficiency during night operations, a longstanding limitation in India’s armoured and infantry support platforms.

With greater situational awareness and driving capability in low-visibility environments, Indian mechanised infantry units will gain a tactical edge in border and high-altitude deployments, especially in sectors like Eastern Ladakh and the Northeast.

This approval aligns with the Army’s broader vision of building all-weather, round-the-clock warfare capabilities to counter both conventional and hybrid threats.

Indian Navy: Leap in Maritime Autonomy and Missile Defence

The Navy’s acquisition proposals reflect a strategic pivot toward advanced automation, missile system upgrades, and undersea warfare capability.

The approval for Compact Autonomous Surface Craft (CASC) stands out. These unmanned platforms, designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions, will allow remote detection, classification, and engagement of sub-surface threats, an essential capability in the Indo-Pacific, where submarine activity is on the rise.

In addition, the approval for BrahMos Fire Control Systems and Launchers reaffirms India’s commitment to enhancing its offensive maritime strike capabilities.

These systems will expand the Navy’s ability to deploy supersonic cruise missiles from various surface platforms, significantly enhancing deterrence and first-strike capabilities.

The upgrade of the Israeli-origin BARAK-1 Point Defence Missile System is another important step toward strengthening naval self-defence mechanisms against aerial threats such as aircraft, UAVs, and anti-ship missiles, critical for fleet survivability in contested waters.

Indian Air Force: Mountain Radar and Integrated Air Defence Gains

For the Indian Air Force (IAF), the green light for Mountain Radars is a direct response to operational challenges faced in high-altitude areas like Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh, and the Sikkim sector.

These radars will significantly improve airspace monitoring, early warning, and threat response in difficult terrain, domains where visibility and radar coverage have traditionally been compromised.

Simultaneously, the upgrade of SAKSHAM/SPYDER Air Defence Systems and their integration with the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) will enhance real-time, network-centric air defence coverage.

It will streamline the detection, tracking, and interception of aerial threats, especially low-flying drones and missiles.

Tri-Service Boost: MALE RPAs for Persistent Surveillance and Strike

One of the most impactful approvals is for the procurement of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) for the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Capable of carrying multiple surveillance payloads and weapon systems, these drones will significantly enhance India’s Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities.

In a volatile regional security environment, these RPAs will offer round-the-clock operational reach, high mission endurance, and rapid strike capability, serving both defensive and offensive objectives.

Importantly, indigenous production of MALE RPAs will support India’s long-term ambition to become a drone power. The procurement is a direct reminder of India’s experience during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, keeping pace with the global contemporary warfare trends.

Support Infrastructure: C-17, C-130J, and S-400 Maintenance

The DAC has also sanctioned AoNs for the sustenance of C-17 and C-130J strategic airlift fleets, along with a comprehensive maintenance contract for the S-400 air defence system.

These measures are vital to maintaining the availability and operational readiness of these high-value platforms, which play critical roles in troop deployment, logistics, and air defence, respectively.

Holistic Capability Enhancement with Indigenous Push

The INR 67,000 crore defence approvals represent a calibrated move toward enhancing India’s deterrence, survivability, and precision-strike capabilities across land, sea, and air.

With a strong focus on indigenous development and long-term sustainability of existing assets, these proposals also align with the twin goals of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and modern military transformation.

As India navigates a complex regional security landscape post recent military conflicts with China and Pakistan in the last five years, these acquisitions will act as force multipliers for all three armed forces.

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