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.

Infrastructure Urban

04 May 2026

Jyoti Structures FY26 profit rises 56.5%

Jyoti Structures (JSL) recently reported strong financial results for the quarter and year ended 31 March 2026, driven by disciplined execution, cost management and steady progress across its order book.For Q4 FY2025-26, total income rose 44.2 per cent to Rs 2.41 billion from Rs 1.67 billion in Q4 FY2024-25. EBITDA increased 58.6 per cent to Rs 237 million, while EBITDA margin improved by 89 basis points to 9.84 per cent. Profit before tax grew 53.3 per cent to Rs 188.5 million, and net profit rose 51.9 per cent to Rs 181.4 million.For FY2025-26, total income grew 53.1 per cent to Rs 7.72 bill..

Cat BEPU to Power Doppstadt Separator at IFAT 2026

Caterpillar’s Cat Battery Electric Power Unit (BEPU) has been selected by Doppstadt to power its SWS 6 Spiral Shaft Separator, which will be showcased for the first time at IFAT 2026 in Munich, Germany, from 4–7 May.The compact plug-and-play BEPU is designed to replace a diesel engine within the same space, using the same mounting locations and relative machine position. It integrates the battery, motor, inverter, onboard charging, cooling and controls, enabling OEMs to electrify existing chassis platforms without extensive redesign.Caterpillar and Cat dealer Zeppelin Power Systems have be..

VECV sales rise 6.9% in April 2026

VE Commercial Vehicles, a joint venture between Volvo Group and Eicher Motors, recorded sales of 7,318 units in April 2026, compared to 6,846 units in April 2025, registering 6.9 per cent growth. The total included 7,159 units under the Eicher brand and 159 units under the Volvo brand.Eicher branded trucks and buses reported sales of 7,159 units during the month, up 6.6 per cent from 6,717 units in April 2025. In the domestic commercial vehicle market, Eicher sales rose 8.6 per cent to 6,797 units from 6,257 units a year earlier.Exports declined 21.3 per cent, with VECV recording 362 units in ..