Strengthening National Defense: Defence Acquisition Council Approves ₹79,000 Crore Boost for Armed Forces Capabilities

NEW DELHI, DECEMBER 29: In a major move to bolster India’s defense preparedness, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), led by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, has accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for several capital acquisition proposals totaling approximately ₹79,000 crore.

The approvals, granted during a high-level meeting on December 29, 2025, focus heavily on enhancing the Indian Army’s tactical edge through the procurement of Loiter Munition Systems for Artillery Regiments, Low Level Light Weight Radars for tracking small unmanned aerial systems, and Long Range Guided Rocket Ammunition to improve the range and precision of the Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MRLS).

Additionally, the Army will receive the Integrated Drone Detection & Interdiction System Mk-II, which features extended range to protect vital assets in both the Tactical Battle Area and the hinterland.The Indian Navy is also set for significant upgrades, with the DAC clearing proposals for Bollard Pull (BP) Tugs to assist in the berthing and maneuvering of ships and submarines in confined harbor waters.

To strengthen maritime security, the council approved the procurement of High Frequency Software Defined Radios (HF SDR) Manpacks for secure long-range communication during operations, as well as the leasing of High Altitude Long Range (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS).

These advanced aerial systems are intended to provide continuous intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and maintain credible Maritime Domain Awareness across the critical Indian Ocean Region.Furthermore, the Indian Air Force’s operational capabilities will be enhanced through the approval of Automatic Take-off Landing Recording Systems to improve aerospace safety with all-weather high-definition recording.

The council also cleared the induction of Astra Mk-II missiles, which offer an extended standoff range for neutralizing adversary aircraft, alongside SPICE-1000 Long Range Guidance Kits for precision strikes. To ensure pilot readiness in a safe and cost-effective environment, a Full Mission Simulator for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas was also approved, rounding out a comprehensive investment package aimed at modernizing all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces.