India approves ₹52,000 crore defence purchases, anti-tank missiles and kamikaze drones included

In a significant move aimed at enhancing the combat readiness and technological edge of India's armed forces, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has given its in-principle approval for the procurement of advanced military equipment valued at approximately Rs 52,000 crore. This decision was announced following a meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, marking a pivotal moment in India's ongoing efforts to modernize its national security infrastructure. The approved acquisitions span a broad spectrum of defense systems, including anti-drone technologies, guided missiles, and cutting-edge air defense platforms, reflecting a strategic emphasis on both conventional and emerging threats.

The procurement plan encompasses several critical components for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. For the Army, the DAC has sanctioned the acquisition of the Anti-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Electronic Warfare System known as 'Akash Tarang,' which is designed to offer robust protection against hostile drones and other unmanned aerial threats. Additionally, the Army will receive Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (MPATGM), Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM), and Very Short-Range Air Defense Systems (V-SHORADS). These systems are expected to significantly enhance the Army's ability to counter enemy armored units and aerial attacks. Furthermore, the procurement includes Active Protection Systems for tanks, which aim to increase battlefield survival rates by detecting and intercepting incoming threats before they strike. Jet-powered kamikaze drones have also been approved, offering enhanced electronic warfare capabilities, higher lethality, and cost-effectiveness.

For the Indian Navy, the DAC has endorsed the acquisition of Multi-Influence Ground Mines (MIGM), which will play a crucial role in restricting the mobility of adversary vessels within strategic maritime zones. Alongside this, the Navy will obtain Naval Shipborne Unmanned Aerial Systems (NSUAS) equipped with advanced sensors to improve maritime domain awareness and surveillance. The establishment of a Land-Based Testing Facility (LBTF) for electric propulsion systems is another notable inclusion, aimed at supporting the development and testing of next-generation propulsion technologies for naval platforms.

The Indian Air Force has received approval for the procurement of Fixed-Wing High-Altitude Pseudo Satellites (FW-HAPS), which are designed to operate at high altitudes for extended periods. These platforms will provide continuous intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, along with support for telecommunications and remote sensing missions. This acquisition underscores the Air Force's need for sustained monitoring of large geographical areas and enhances its operational flexibility.

The approval comes at a time when India has increased its defense budget by more than 15%, allocating Rs 7.85 lakh crore for the fiscal year 2026-27. This substantial investment reflects the government's commitment to strengthening the armed forces' capabilities through the acquisition of new weapons, systems, and technologies. The capital expenditure component of this budget stands at Rs 2.19 lakh crore, earmarked for upgrading the military with fighter aircraft, transport planes, helicopters, warships, submarines, artillery pieces, smart weapons, missiles, rockets, and various unmanned systems.

The DAC's decision follows the recent appointment of new leaders within the Indian military, including Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani, Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, and Army Chief General Dheeraj Seth. This transition in leadership signals a renewed focus on modernization and transformation of the armed forces into a technologically advanced and future-ready entity. General Seth emphasized that modernization would serve as the foundation for the Army's evolution, aligning with broader national security objectives.

As the procurement process moves forward, the next steps involve detailed planning, vendor selection, and negotiations to ensure timely delivery and integration of these advanced systems into existing military frameworks. The successful implementation of these acquisitions will likely contribute to India's overall defense posture, ensuring that its armed forces remain well-equipped to address contemporary and emerging security challenges.