DAC Clears Proposals Worth Rs 2.38 tn to Augment Defence Capabilities

31 Mar 2026 CW Team

The Defence Acquisition Council chaired by the Raksha Mantri, Rajnath Singh, on March 27, 2026, granted Acceptance of Necessity for a range of proposals with an estimated value of Rs 2.38 trillion (tn). The approvals are intended to augment operational capability across the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Indian Coast Guard. The decisions were taken following technical and financial vetting by the council.

For the Indian Army, approvals were accorded for an Air Defence Tracked System, armoured piercing tank ammunition, a High Capacity Radio Relay, the Dhanush gun system and a Runway Independent Aerial Surveillance System. The tracked air defence capability will provide real time air defence control and reporting, while the High Capacity Radio Relay is expected to deliver reliable and resilient communications. The Dhanush gun system will extend artillery reach and enhance lethality and accuracy across diverse terrains.

For the Indian Air Force, procurements cleared include Medium Transport Aircraft, the S-400 long range surface-to-air missile system, remotely piloted strike aircraft and overhaul of Su-30 aero engine aggregates. The Medium Transport Aircraft will replace AN32 and IL76 types to meet strategic, tactical and operational airlift requirements. The S-400 system is intended to counter long range aerial threats to vital areas, while remotely piloted strike platforms will support offensive counter and coordinated air operations alongside stealth surveillance roles.

The Indian Coast Guard was granted Acceptance of Necessity for heavy duty air cushion vehicles to support high speed coastal patrolling, reconnaissance, search and rescue and logistics tasks. In the financial year 2025-26 the council has accorded AoN for 55 proposals amounting to Rs 6.73 tn and capital procurement contracts have been signed for 503 proposals amounting to Rs 2.28 tn, both records for any single financial year to date.

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