By N. C. Bipindra

New Delhi: In a major year-end boost to India’s military modernisation drive, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisition proposals worth around INR 79,000 crore for the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

The approvals, granted at the DAC meeting on December 29, 2025, clear the way for large-scale induction of missiles, drones, radars, simulators, and surveillance platforms, while reinforcing the government’s push for Make in India and Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence.

The clearances are aimed at rapidly enhancing combat readiness, precision strike capability, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) across land, sea, and air domains at a time of growing regional security challenges.

Army: Precision Firepower & Counter-Drone Shield

For the Indian Army, the DAC approved procurement of loiter munition systems for artillery regiments, low-level light-weight radars, long-range guided rocket ammunition for the indigenous Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MRLS), and the Integrated Drone Detection & Interdiction System (IDD&IS) Mk-II.

Loiter munitions will enable precision strikes against tactical targets, reflecting lessons from recent conflicts where drones and precision weapons have reshaped battlefield outcomes.

The low-level radars will significantly improve detection and tracking of small, low-flying unmanned aerial systems, a growing threat along borders and in rear areas.

The long-range guided rockets will extend the reach and accuracy of Pinaka MRLS, allowing effective engagement of high-value targets. The upgraded IDD&IS Mk-II, with enhanced detection and neutralisation range, will protect vital military assets in both tactical battle areas and hinterland locations.

Navy: Harbour Support & Maritime Domain Awareness

For the Indian Navy, AoN (the first approval for a capital acquisition proposal) was accorded for the procurement of Bollard Pull (BP) Tugs, High Frequency Software-Defined Radios (HF SDR) Manpack, and leasing of High Altitude Long-Range (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS).

The BP Tugs will strengthen indigenous harbour support, assisting naval ships and submarines during berthing, unberthing, and manoeuvring in confined waters.

HF SDR Manpacks will enhance secure long-range communications during boarding and landing operations. The HALE RPAS will provide persistent ISR and credible maritime domain awareness across the Indian Ocean Region, a key strategic theatre for India.

In this context, the DAC also approved the lease of two additional General Atomics MQ-9 unmanned aircraft for the Navy. Already in service since 2020, MQ-9 platforms have proven critical for maritime and border surveillance.

Their expanded induction is expected to further strengthen India’s ISR posture and reflects the deepening India–US defence partnership focused on advanced technologies and interoperability.

Air Force: Air Dominance & Safer Training

The Indian Air Force received AoN for procurement of the Automatic Take-off and Landing Recording System, Astra Mk-II Beyond Visual Range air-to-air missiles, Full Mission Simulator for the LCA Tejas, and SPICE-1000 long-range guidance kits.

The recording system will enhance aerospace safety through high-definition, all-weather monitoring of critical flight phases.

Astra Mk-II missiles, with enhanced engagement range, will significantly boost the IAF’s standoff air combat capability.

The Tejas full mission simulator will improve pilot training in a cost-effective and risk-free manner, while SPICE-1000 kits will sharpen long-range precision strike options.

Officials underlined that the approvals align with India’s long-term roadmap to modernise the armed forces while sharply reducing dependence on imports, marking another decisive step in building a future-ready, indigenous defence ecosystem.

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