Defence Acquisition Council approves ₹79,000 crore defence procurements to boost Army, Navy, and Air Force capabilities. Key updates on India’s defence modernisation and Make in India initiatives.
Defense Acquisition Council Clears Defence Acquisitions Worth ₹79,000 Crore
Introduction: Major Boost to India’s Defence Capabilities
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has granted approval for defence procurement proposals totaling approximately ₹79,000 crore aimed at modernizing India’s military forces — the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This move is part of India’s larger strategy to strengthen the capabilities of its armed forces in the face of evolving strategic threats. The acquisitions cover a broad spectrum of advanced military systems, including precision strike weapons, surveillance technologies, communication tools, and training infrastructure — all critical for 21st-century warfare.
Enhancing Army’s Firepower & Surveillance Systems
Under the DAC’s approval, the Indian Army will receive several cutting-edge systems designed to improve battlefield effectiveness. Key items include advanced ammunition for artillery units, low-level lightweight radars that can detect low-flying Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), and long-range guided rocket ammunition for the Pinaka Multi-Launch Rocket System. Additionally, the Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System Mk-II has been cleared to help safeguard vital installations and frontline units against hostile drones. These acquisitions aim to elevate tactical strike precision, improve aerial threat detection, and broaden battlefield awareness.
Strengthening India’s Naval Capabilities
For the Indian Navy, the DAC has approved procurement focused on enhancing maritime operations and domain awareness. This includes bollard pull tugs that will aid in berthing and maneuvering naval vessels in harbors, high-frequency software-defined radios for secure long-range communication, and the leasing of high-altitude long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft systems (HALE RPAS) to monitor maritime zones effectively. These systems are crucial for safeguarding the Indian Ocean Region, expanding surveillance reach, and ensuring operational command and control at sea.
Expanding Air Force Combat & Training Capabilities
The Indian Air Force (IAF) will benefit from multiple high-technology acquisitions, including Astra Mk-II air-to-air missiles with extended engagement range and SPICE-1000 long-range precision guidance kits. There are also approvals for full mission simulators for the Light Combat Aircraft (Tejas), which will enhance pilot training efficiency, and automatic take-off and landing recording systems to bolster flight safety. These procurements aim to enhance air combat readiness, strike precision, and pilot preparedness.
Focus on Modern Defence Preparedness and Indigenous Growth
The ₹79,000 crore clearance signifies India’s ongoing commitment to modernizing its defence infrastructure and ensuring readiness against conventional and emerging security threats such as hostile drones, long-range precision engagements, and maritime domain challenges. A significant portion of these acquisitions also aligns with the government’s broader objective of boosting domestic defence manufacturing under programs such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, aimed at reducing reliance on foreign suppliers while strengthening the indigenous defence industrial base.
Why This News Is Important for Government Exam Aspirants
Relevance to National Security & Defence Policy
This development is a key current affairs topic for students preparing for UPSC, PSCs, CDS, AFCAT, CAPF and other competitive exams because it highlights India’s strategic decisions regarding defence modernization and force enhancement. Defence procurement decisions are often discussed in General Studies Paper-III (Defence, Security and Disaster Management) and are vital for understanding India’s defence preparedness, foreign policy, and military strategy.
Impact on Defence Economics and Industrial Strategy
Approvals worth ₹79,000 crore have significant implications for the defence economy, especially for public sector undertakings and private defence firms. Exam questions often connect defence deals with economic planning, Make in India initiatives, and national manufacturing policies. Understanding such large procurement projects helps aspirants link current events with broader economic and industrial policies.
Role in Enhancing Operational Readiness
The news reflects how India is responding to evolving regional security dynamics with tangible actions. For exams like UPSC CSE and CDS, where strategic thinking and geo-political awareness are assessed, this example showcases how India equips its armed forces against potential threats. Factors like surveillance, communications, and precision weaponry are now key parts of modern warfare.
Historical Context: India’s Defence Modernisation Journey
India’s defence procurement and modernisation have evolved significantly since independence. Initially dependent on foreign sources, India gradually built a robust defence production ecosystem, anchored by institutions such as Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and defence public sector undertakings like Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Over the past decade, there has been a greater policy push toward indigenously designed and manufactured equipment (IDDM), strengthened under initiatives like Make in India. The establishment of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) provides a structured mechanism to evaluate and approve defence procurement proposals, ensuring India’s armed forces stay equipped with advanced systems to address emerging security scenarios
Key Takeaways from “DAC Clears Defence Acquisitions Worth ₹79,000 Crore”
| Sr. No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | The Defence Acquisition Council approved defence procurement proposals worth ₹79,000 crore. |
| 2 | The approvals aim to enhance capabilities of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. |
| 3 | Army procurements include advanced radars, missile systems, and drone defence tools. |
| 4 | Naval acquisitions focus on maritime surveillance and support vessels. |
| 5 | Air Force upgrades include advanced missiles, training simulators and flight safety systems. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)?
The Defence Acquisition Council is a high-level body in India, chaired by the Defence Minister, responsible for approving defence procurement proposals for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. It ensures that the armed forces are equipped with modern and strategic weapons and technologies.
2. How much worth of defence procurements were approved by the DAC in this instance?
The DAC approved defence acquisitions worth approximately ₹79,000 crore, aimed at strengthening India’s military capabilities across all three services.
3. Which armed forces benefit from this DAC approval?
All three branches — Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force — will benefit from these procurements with advanced weapon systems, surveillance equipment, and training technologies.
4. How does this procurement relate to India’s Make in India initiative?
A significant portion of the procurement supports indigenous defence manufacturing, boosting self-reliance under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives while reducing dependency on foreign suppliers.
5. What types of systems were approved for the Army?
The Army will receive long-range rocket ammunition for Pinaka MLRS, low-level radars, Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction Systems, and other advanced battlefield tools to enhance operational readiness.
6. Why is this news important for government exam aspirants?
This news is relevant for UPSC, PSCs, CDS, AFCAT, CAPF, and other exams, particularly for topics on defence preparedness, national security, and industrial policy. Questions often link defence acquisitions with strategic planning, economics, and Make in India initiatives.
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