New Delhi, December 29 (UNI) In a major boost to India’s defence preparedness and indigenous military capabilities, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), on Monday cleared capital acquisition proposals worth about Rs 79,000 crore.
The approvals, include key procurements for the Indian Army such as loiter munition systems for artillery regiments, low-level lightweight radars, long-range guided rockets for the Pinaka multi-launch rocket system, and the Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System Mk-II.
The decision was taken during a DAC meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday. In a statement issued here the Ministry of Defence stated that the loiter munition will be used for precision strike of tactical targets, whereas Low Level Light Weight Radars will detect and track small size, low flying Unmanned Aerial Systems.
Long Range Guided Rockets will enhance the range and accuracy of Pinaka MRLS for effective engagement of high value targets. Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System Mk-II with enhanced range will protect the vital assets of the Indian Army in Tactical Battle Area and Hinterland.
For the Indian Navy, AoN was accorded for procurement of Bollard Pull (BP) Tugs, High Frequency Software Defined Radios (HF SDR) Manpack and for leasing High Altitude Long Range (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS).
Induction of BP Tugs will assist Naval ships and submarines in berthing, unberthing, and maneuvering in confined waters or harbour areas. The HF SDR will enhance long-range secured communication during boarding and landing operations, whereas HALE RPAS will ensure continuous Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance and credible Maritime Domain Awareness over the Indian Ocean Region.
For the Indian Air Force, AoN was approved for procurement of Automatic Take-off Landing Recording System, Astra Mk-II Missiles, Full Mission Simulator and Spice-1000 Long Range Guidance Kits etc. Induction of the Automatic Take-off Landing Recording System will fill the gaps in the aerospace safety environment by providing high-definition all-weather automatic recording of landing and take-off.
Astra Mk-II Missiles with enhanced range will increase the capability of the fighter aircraft to neutralise adversary aircraft from large standoff range. Full Mission Simulator for Light Combat Aircraft Tejas will augment pilots” training in a cost effective and safe manner, while Spice-1000 will enhance long range precision strike capability of the Indian Air Force.
With the changing geopolitical scenarios across the globe, especially South and South East Asia, India is busy strengthening its defence forces. With the unending skirmishes with Pakistan and an increasingly unstable eastern neighbourhood, India now stands more prepared and resolute in safeguarding its national interests.
Following the 2020 clashed in Galwan with troops of People’s Liberation Army (PLA), India has rapidly strengthened its forward deployments, infrastructure, surveillance and high-altitude warfare capabilities along the Line of Actual Control, making any future misadventure by Beijing far costlier.
On the western front, India’s response to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in 2025 following Pahalgam terror attack saw a more decisive phase. Operation Sindoor signalled a new strategic doctrine, war against terrorists and those harboring them. India now maintains constant operational and diplomatic pressure, denying terror groups both sanctuary and surprise.
Meanwhile, developments in Bangladesh and myanmar, including internal political volatility and growing Chinese influence, have added a new dimension to India’s security strategy. India has not only beefed-up border management, but also its maritime surveillance in the Bay of Bengal as the chinese navy has increased its visits to the area.
