From Drones to Missiles: DAC Clears ₹79,000-Crore Defence Buys for Army, Navy and Air Force

New Delhi: In a major push to strengthen India’s military preparedness and indigenisation drive, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) to capital acquisition proposals worth nearly ₹79,000 crore for the three armed services.

The approvals were granted at the DAC meeting held on December 29, 2025, covering a wide spectrum of advanced weapon systems, surveillance platforms and support equipment aimed at enhancing operational readiness across land, sea and air domains.

Indian Army: Precision Strike, Drone Defence and Enhanced Surveillance

For the Indian Army, the DAC cleared procurement of next-generation systems designed to counter emerging battlefield threats:

  • Loiter Munition Systems for artillery units, enabling precision strikes on high-value tactical targets

  • Low-Level Lightweight Radars to detect and track small, low-flying drones and UAVs

  • Long-Range Guided Rocket Ammunition for the Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System, significantly extending its range and accuracy

  • Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDD&IS) Mk-II, with enhanced reach to protect critical military assets in both forward areas and hinterland locations

Defence sources say these inductions will sharply improve the Army’s ability to neutralise drone threats and conduct precision engagements in modern, tech-driven conflict scenarios.

Indian Navy: Maritime Awareness Gets a Boost

The Indian Navy received AoN for capabilities aimed at strengthening maritime operations and situational awareness:

  • Bollard Pull (BP) Tugs to assist warships and submarines during berthing, unberthing and manoeuvres in confined harbour waters

  • High-Frequency Software Defined Radio (HF SDR) Manpack systems to ensure secure long-range communication during boarding and landing operations

  • Leasing of High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) RPAS, providing persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) across the Indian Ocean Region

The HALE drones are expected to play a key role in enhancing Maritime Domain Awareness amid growing strategic activity in the region.

Indian Air Force: Missiles, Simulators and Safety Systems

For the Indian Air Force, the DAC cleared high-impact acquisitions focused on combat edge and training efficiency:

  • Automatic Take-Off and Landing Recording System to improve aerospace safety through high-definition, all-weather recording of critical flight phases

  • Astra Mk-II Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missiles, significantly extending engagement ranges against hostile aircraft

  • Full Mission Simulator for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, enabling realistic, cost-effective pilot training

  • SPICE-1000 Long-Range Precision Guidance Kits, enhancing the IAF’s stand-off precision strike capability

Defence officials note that these systems will not only sharpen combat readiness but also reduce operational risks and training costs.

Strategic Signal

The latest AoN approvals underline the government’s intent to rapidly modernise the armed forces while prioritising indigenous and high-technology solutions. With rising regional security challenges and evolving warfare domains, the ₹79,000-crore clearance is seen as a decisive step towards strengthening India’s deterrence and self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

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