In a significant move to bolster national security, India's Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on Monday granted a crucial initial approval for military procurements worth approximately Rs 79,000 crore. The green light, termed "Acceptance of Necessity" (AoN), was given during a high-level meeting held on December 29 and is aimed at substantially enhancing the operational capabilities of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Major Boost for the Indian Army
According to an official press release from the Ministry of Defence, the Indian Army is set to receive a suite of advanced systems. The approvals include the procurement of a Loiter Munition System for its Artillery Regiments, which are often described as "kamikaze drones." This will be complemented by new Low Level Light Weight Radars for improved surveillance.
Furthermore, the army will acquire Long Range Guided Rocket Ammunition for the formidable Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MRLS), enhancing its long-range strike accuracy. To counter increasing drone threats, the force will also get the Integrated Drone Detection & Interdiction System Mk-H.
Naval and Air Force Capabilities Enhanced
The Indian Navy's approvals focus on bolstering support and communication infrastructure. The council cleared the procurement of Bollard Pull tugs, essential for harbour operations, and High Frequency Software Defined Radio manpacks for secure, flexible communication. In a strategic move, the navy also received approval for leasing High Altitude Long Range remotely piloted aircraft systems, which will provide extended maritime surveillance reach.
For the Indian Air Force, the DAC approved several critical systems. These include an Automatic Take-off and Landing Recording System to enhance flight safety and training. The air-to-air combat prowess will be strengthened with the approval of Astra Mk-II air-to-air missiles. To boost pilot training for the indigenous fighter, a full mission simulator for the light combat aircraft Tejas was cleared. Additionally, the force will get SPICE-1000 long-range guidance kits, precision weapons for deep-strike missions.
Strategic Implications and Next Steps
This massive clearance, amounting to nearly Rs 79,000 crore, underscores the government's focused approach towards military modernisation and self-reliance in defence. The Acceptance of Necessity is the first step in the procurement process, allowing the armed forces to move forward with tendering and acquisition procedures for the approved equipment.
The wide range of approved systems—from loitering munitions and advanced radars to simulators and guided rockets—addresses critical capability gaps across all domains: land, sea, and air. This holistic upgrade is expected to significantly enhance India's defensive and offensive operational readiness in the face of evolving regional security challenges.
