The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) to capital acquisition proposals worth approximately ₹2.12 lakh crore for the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, marking a major step towards strengthening the country’s defence preparedness and modernisation.
The approvals, granted at the DAC meeting on October 26, 2026, cover a wide range of military platforms, weapons, air defence systems, surveillance assets and advanced drone technologies. Approximately 82 per cent of the total procurement value will be sourced from Indian industry, reinforcing the government’s focus on domestic defence manufacturing and self-reliance.
Indian Army to Receive Advanced Weapons and Surveillance Systems:
For the Indian Army, the DAC approved proposals covering High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs), Self-Propelled Tracked Gun Systems, Gun Shot Response Systems (GSRS), Light Multi Role Helicopters (LMRH), Very Short-Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS), Platform-Based Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS), long-range unmanned aerial systems, surveillance UAVs, Integrated Surveillance and Strike Systems, and Long Range Kamikaze Drone Systems.
The High Mobility Vehicles are expected to improve troop mobility, logistics and operational support in challenging terrain, while Self-Propelled Tracked Gun Systems will provide mechanised formations with enhanced mobility and firepower.
The Gun Shot Response System will strengthen real-time situational awareness by helping forces detect and respond to hostile firing. Light Multi Role Helicopters, intended for use by both the Army and Air Force, will support reconnaissance, surveillance, combat operations, search and rescue, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.
The VSHORADS will provide the capability to engage emerging small aerial threats, while platform-based counter-drone systems are intended to improve the survivability of tanks against unmanned aerial threats on the modern battlefield.
The proposed surveillance and strike systems, including long-range drones, will further enhance the Army’s reconnaissance, target acquisition and operational response capabilities.
Indian Navy to Strengthen Anti-Missile Defence:
For the Indian Navy, the DAC approved the procurement of an Active Offboard Decoy System (AODS) and other major naval platforms.
The AODS is designed to strengthen the credibility of the Navy’s anti-missile defence, particularly against modern anti-ship missiles. The proposed indigenously designed and constructed naval platforms will incorporate contemporary warfare capabilities and enhance the Navy’s overall combat effectiveness.
The approvals come amid the growing importance of maritime security and operational preparedness in the Indian Ocean Region.
Indian Air Force to Enhance Air Defence and Mobility:
For the Indian Air Force, the council approved proposals for helicopters, air defence systems, weapons and Mobile X-Band Doppler Weather Radar Systems.
The proposed Special Utility Helicopters will help meet critical air transport requirements, while the advanced weather radar systems will provide high-resolution, localised weather surveillance in forward areas. Improved weather information is expected to support operational planning and aviation safety in challenging conditions.
The proposed acquisitions are intended to strengthen the Air Force’s air defence, mobility and warfighting capabilities.
Domestic Industry at the Centre of Defence Modernisation:
The decision to source approximately 82 per cent of the approved procurement value from Indian industry underscores the emphasis on indigenous manufacturing and the development of domestic defence capabilities.
The proposals span conventional artillery, air defence, rotary-wing aviation, unmanned systems, surveillance technology and naval platforms, reflecting the expanding technological requirements of modern warfare.
The Acceptance of Necessity represents an in-principle approval for the proposed acquisitions and is an important stage in the defence procurement process. The proposals will proceed through the applicable acquisition procedures before contracts are concluded.
With proposals worth ₹2.12 lakh crore receiving the DAC’s approval, the latest decision is set to support the modernisation priorities of all three services while creating opportunities for Indian defence manufacturers and technology developers.
