The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today, approved proposals worth two lakh 38 thousand crore rupees to enhance defence capabilities. The Ministry of Defence stated that approval was granted for the Indian Army's Air Defence Tracked System, Armoured Piercing Tank Ammunition, High Capacity Radio Relay, Dhanush Gun System, and Runway Independent Aerial Surveillance System. The Air Defence Tracked System will provide real-time Air Defence Control and Reporting capability, while the High Capacity Radio Relay will provide reliable and fail-proof communication. The Dhanush Gun System will enhance the artillery's capabilities to engage targets at longer ranges in all terrains with enhanced lethality and accuracy. The Runway Independent Aerial Surveillance System will provide surveillance capabilities to the Army units, while the Armoured Piercing Tank Ammunition will enhance the lethality of Anti-Tank ammunition.
For the Indian Air Force, proposals were approved for the procurement of Medium Transport Aircraft, S-400 Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile System, Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft, and the overhaul of Su-30 Aero engine aggregates. The Ministry stated that the induction of Medium Transport Aircraft, replacing the AN32 and IL76 transport fleet, will meet the strategic, tactical, and operational airlift requirements of the Services. The S-400 system will counter enemy long-range air vectors targeting vital areas, while the Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft will enable undertaking Offensive Counter and Coordinated Air Operations, also providing stealth Intelligence, Surveillance, and Recognition activities. The Ministry added that the overhaul of the Su-30 aero engine and its aggregates will increase the aircraft's service life and fulfill the operational requirement of the Air Force.
Meanwhile, Acceptance of Necessity was granted for Heavy Duty Air Cushion Vehicles for the Indian Coast Guard. The Defence Ministry stated that these vehicles will be used for multipurpose maritime coastal operational roles, including high-speed coastal patrolling; reconnaissance; search and rescue operations; rendering assistance to ships; and carrying personnel and stores, including logistics.
The DAC approved 55 proposals worth six lakh 73 thousand crore rupees in the fiscal year 2025-26. Capital procurement contracts have been signed for 503 proposals amounting to two lakh 28 thousand crore rupees in the current fiscal year. The quantum of Acceptance of Necessity given and capital contracts signed so far have been the highest in any given Financial Year.