By A Correspondent

New Delhi: In a major step towards modernising India’s armed forces and strengthening indigenous defence capabilities, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved proposals worth around INR 79,000 crore.

The approvals, granted under various capital acquisition programmes on Oct. 23, 2025, cover a wide range of systems and platforms for the Army, Navy, and Air Force, aimed at enhancing combat readiness, surveillance, and operational reach, according to a PIB statement.

Army to Get New-Generation Missile and Intelligence Systems

For the Indian Army, the DAC accorded the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for three key acquisitions: the Nag Missile System (Tracked) Mk-II (NAMIS), the Ground-Based Mobile ELINT System (GBMES), and High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs) equipped with Material Handling Cranes.

• Nag Missile System (Tracked) Mk-II (NAMIS): This state-of-the-art anti-tank guided missile system is designed to destroy enemy armoured vehicles, bunkers, and field fortifications.

Mounted on a tracked vehicle, it offers mobility across rugged terrains, providing frontline units with a lethal strike capability. The NAMIS will significantly enhance the Army’s anti-armour warfare potential and complement India’s existing inventory of precision-guided munitions.

• Ground-Based Mobile ELINT System (GBMES): The GBMES is a sophisticated Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) platform designed to detect, intercept, and analyse enemy radar and communication emissions.

This system will enable the Army to maintain 24/7 situational awareness, identify hostile emitters, and strengthen electronic warfare capabilities in both offensive and defensive operations.

• High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs): The induction of HMVs fitted with Material Handling Cranes will greatly improve logistical mobility in forward and remote areas.

These vehicles are crucial for transporting heavy loads, equipment, and ammunition, ensuring operational continuity in challenging terrains such as mountains and deserts.

Navy to Strengthen Amphibious and Anti-Submarine Capabilities

The Indian Navy received AoN approval for several advanced systems, including Landing Platform Docks (LPDs), 30mm Naval Surface Guns (NSG), Advanced Lightweight Torpedoes (ALWT), Electro-Optical Infra-Red Search and Track Systems (EOIRST), and Smart Ammunition for 76mm Super Rapid Gun Mounts.

• Landing Platform Docks (LPDs): These large amphibious warships will enable the Navy to transport troops, tanks, and helicopters for expeditionary operations.

LPDs will play a crucial role in joint operations with the Army and Air Force, and are vital for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions, enhancing India’s blue-water operational reach.

• Advanced Lightweight Torpedoes (ALWT): Developed indigenously by DRDO’s Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), the ALWT is designed to target and neutralise enemy submarines, including nuclear and midget types. It marks a significant step towards self-reliance in undersea warfare technologies.

• 30mm Naval Surface Gun (NSG): This gun system will strengthen the Navy’s and Coast Guard’s ability to conduct low-intensity maritime operations and anti-piracy missions, especially in coastal and littoral zones.

• Electro-Optical Infra-Red Search and Track System & Smart Ammunition: These systems will boost situational awareness, target acquisition, and precision engagement, making naval operations more effective and survivable.

Air Force to Get Autonomous Long-Range Strike Capability

For the Indian Air Force (IAF), the DAC approved the Collaborative Long Range Target Saturation/Destruction System (CLRTS/DS) and other projects aimed at next-generation air operations.

• CLRTS/DS System: Designed for autonomous take-off, navigation, detection, and target engagement, this system will enable the IAF to launch coordinated strikes on multiple targets deep inside enemy territory. It represents a major leap in AI-enabled unmanned and network-centric warfare.

Strategic Significance of the Systems

These approvals reflect India’s continued focus on ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) in defence production. The mix of indigenous technologies and advanced systems across services underscores a transformative approach toward building a modern, agile, and self-sufficient military capable of addressing evolving security challenges.

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