New Delhi: In a significant move to bolster the country’s combat readiness, India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on Monday gave initial approval for the procurement of military hardware worth ₹79,000 crore, according to the Ministry of Defence. The proposed acquisitions include beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles, loitering munitions, long-range guided rockets, radars, and drone detection and interception systems, aimed at strengthening the operational capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces.

The DAC, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, also granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the leasing of high-altitude long-range remotely piloted aircraft systems to enhance the Indian Navy’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities across the vast Indian Ocean region. Under India’s defence procurement rules, AoN is the first formal step towards acquiring military equipment.

Key Acquisitions

Among the major proposals cleared:

• Astra Mk-II BVR Air-to-Air Missiles: Designed to enhance the precision strike capability of the Indian Air Force (IAF), these missiles offer extended range to neutralize adversary aircraft from standoff distances. The ministry stated that these missiles are expected to significantly improve air dominance and combat effectiveness.
• Long-Range Guided Rockets for Pinaka MLRS: These rockets will improve the range and accuracy of the Army’s Pinaka multiple launch rocket system, allowing for more effective engagement of high-value targets. The importance of such precision weaponry was demonstrated during Operation Sindoor in May, when Indian forces targeted terror and military installations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
• Loitering Munitions (Kamikaze Drones): Used for precision strikes on tactical targets, these drones were successfully deployed during Operation Sindoor, demonstrating their ability to engage critical threats with high accuracy.
• Low-Level Lightweight Radars & Integrated Drone Detection Systems: These systems are designed to detect, track, and neutralize low-flying unmanned aerial systems, safeguarding troops and key installations. The Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System Mk-II offers enhanced range for protecting vital assets in both tactical and rear-area environments.
• Additional IAF Hardware: Approvals also include automatic take-off and landing recording systems for aerospace safety, full mission simulators for LCA Mk-1A pilots to ensure cost-effective training, and SPICE-1000 long-range guidance kits to enhance precision strike capabilities.
• Navy Hardware: The DAC cleared acquisition of bollard pull tugs for berthing and maneuvering warships and submarines, and high-frequency software-defined radios to improve long-range secured communication.
• Leased High-Altitude RPAS: These remotely piloted aircraft will provide the Navy with continuous ISR coverage and maritime domain awareness in the Indian Ocean region, a strategic necessity as China expands its influence by establishing military bases and asserting maritime claims.

Operational Context

The need for advanced precision weaponry and ISR systems was underscored by Operation Sindoor, conducted in May following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people. Over the course of three days, Indian forces targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK and struck 13 Pakistani airbases and military installations. The IAF’s precision strikes reportedly resulted in the loss of 12 to 13 Pakistani aircraft, including US-made F-16s and Chinese-origin JF-17s, highlighting the effectiveness of long-range precision strikes.

The Defence Ministry emphasized that Astra Mk-II missiles will allow the IAF to engage hostile aircraft from greater standoff distances, while long-range Pinaka rockets will enable the Army to hit strategic targets more accurately. Loitering munitions, combined with improved radars and integrated drone countermeasures, are expected to enhance battlefield awareness and strike capabilities.

Strategic Implications

The DAC’s approvals reflect India’s continued focus on modernising its armed forces, particularly in response to regional security challenges posed by China and Pakistan. China’s increasing presence in the Indian Ocean, through military bases and strategic assertiveness, underscores the need for continuous maritime surveillance and advanced aerial strike capabilities.

By integrating these systems, India aims to strengthen deterrence, improve precision strike capabilities, and ensure enhanced protection of critical assets, thereby reinforcing its operational readiness across land, air, and maritime domains.

This ₹79,000-crore procurement package marks one of India’s largest defence modernization pushes, combining indigenous development with strategic acquisitions to meet emerging security challenges.