Defence Approves Rs 670 Billion Arms Buys for Forces

06 Aug 2025 CW Team

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on 5 August 2025, approved a series of defence procurement proposals valued at approximately Rs 670 billion. These approvals span all three branches of the Armed Forces and are aimed at significantly enhancing operational capabilities across domains.

For the Indian Army, Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) was granted for the acquisition of Thermal Imager-based Driver Night Sights for BMP infantry combat vehicles. This system will improve night-time mobility and offer a tactical edge to the Mechanised Infantry.

The Indian Navy received AoN for the procurement of Compact Autonomous Surface Craft, BrahMos Fire Control Systems and Launchers, as well as the upgrade of the BARAK-1 Point Defence Missile System. The autonomous surface craft will bolster the Navy’s ability to detect, classify, and neutralise underwater threats during anti-submarine warfare missions.

For the Indian Air Force, AoN was accorded for the acquisition of Mountain Radars and the upgrade of the SAKSHAM/SPYDER Weapon System. The new radars will improve air surveillance in mountainous border areas, while the upgraded SPYDER system—integrated with the Integrated Air Command and Control System—will boost overall air defence capability.

AoN was also granted for the acquisition of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs) for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. These RPAs, capable of carrying various payloads and weapons, are designed for extended surveillance and strike missions, significantly increasing the Armed Forces’ all-weather operational readiness.

Additionally, the DAC approved AoNs for the continued maintenance and sustainment of the C-17 and C-130J transport aircraft fleets, as well as a comprehensive annual maintenance contract for the S-400 Long Range Air Defence Missile System.

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