NEW DELHI: In a significant boost to its “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiative in the defence sector, India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the initiation of a process to acquire arms and military equipment valued at approximately ₹1.03 lakh crore (approximately $12.3 billion USD). The decision, announced by the Defence Ministry on Thursday, marks a concerted effort to modernize the armed forces while primarily sourcing equipment from indigenous manufacturers.
Chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the DAC accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 10 capital acquisition proposals. These vital procurements encompass a diverse range of equipment crucial for enhancing India’s operational preparedness across all three services. Key among the approved acquisitions are Armoured Recovery Vehicles, Electronic Warfare Systems, and advanced Surface-to-Air Missiles. These are expected to significantly improve mobility, provide robust air defence capabilities, and streamline logistical support for the armed forces.
Beyond land-based assets and air defence, the approvals also extend to bolstering the Indian Navy’s capabilities. The DAC cleared the procurement of Moored Mines, Mine Counter Measure Vessels, Super Rapid Gun Mounts, and Submersible Autonomous Vessels. These naval acquisitions are aimed at mitigating potential risks to both naval and merchant vessels, thereby strengthening maritime security in strategic waters.
A cornerstone of this ambitious acquisition plan is the unwavering focus on indigenous design, development, and manufacturing. All 10 proposals have been cleared under the ‘Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured)’ category, underscoring the government’s commitment to fostering a vibrant domestic defence industrial ecosystem. This approach is set to not only meet the immediate operational requirements of the armed forces but also provide a substantial impetus to Indian defence companies, promoting technological innovation and self-reliance in a critical sector.
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