India Approves Rs 52,000 Crore Defence Procurement Push

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved capital acquisition proposals worth about ₹52,000 crore to strengthen the combat capabilities of India’s armed forces.

For the Indian Army, the council cleared the procurement of AKASH TARANG anti-UAV electronic warfare systems, Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) systems, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) systems, Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (V-SHORADS), Active Protection Systems for tanks, and jet-based kamikaze drones.

The AKASH TARANG system will improve protection against hostile drones. The MPATGM will boost the Army’s ability to destroy enemy armoured vehicles, while the MRSAM and V-SHORADS will strengthen air defence against a range of aerial threats. The Active Protection System is designed to improve tank survivability, and the jet-based kamikaze drones will enhance electronic warfare and strike capabilities.

For the Indian Navy, the DAC approved the procurement of Multi Influence Ground Mines (MIGM), Naval Shipborne Unmanned Aerial Systems (NSUAS), and the establishment of a Land Based Testing Facility (LBTF) for electric propulsion systems.

The MIGM will help restrict enemy naval movement, while the NSUAS will improve surveillance and situational awareness. The new testing facility will support the development and testing of electric propulsion systems for naval platforms.

For the Indian Air Force, the council approved the procurement of Fixed-Wing High Altitude Pseudo Satellites (FW-HAPS) and other proposals. The FW-HAPS will provide long-endurance intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, telecommunications and remote sensing capabilities.