The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved defence acquisition proposals worth approximately ₹2.12 lakh crore for the Indian Armed Forces, with around 82 per cent of the procurement planned from Indian industry.
The council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on October 26, 2026, accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) to various capital acquisition proposals. The AoN represents in-principle administrative approval for the proposed procurements.
Indian Army to acquire mobility, surveillance and drone systems
For the Indian Army, the DAC approved proposals covering High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs), a Self-Propelled Tracked Gun System and a Gun Shot Response System (GSRS).
The approved acquisitions also include 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, an Integrated Surveillance and Strike System, and a Long Range Kamikaze Drone System.
The HMVs are expected to improve operational mobility and logistical support in challenging terrain. The Self-Propelled Tracked Gun System will provide mobility and firepower to mechanised formations.
The GSRS will deliver real-time situational awareness. Meanwhile, LMRHs will support reconnaissance, surveillance, combat, search and rescue, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations for the Army and the Indian Air Force.
The VSHORADS will address emerging threats from small aerial platforms, while C-UAS will improve tank survivability on modern battlefields. Surveillance and drone systems are intended to strengthen the Army’s surveillance and targeting capabilities.
Navy to receive decoy systems and naval platforms
For the Indian Navy, the council approved the procurement of an Active Offboard Decoy System (AODS) and other major naval platforms.
The AODS is intended to strengthen anti-missile defence, particularly against modern anti-ship missiles. The proposed indigenously designed and constructed naval platforms will incorporate modern warfare capabilities and enhance the Navy’s combat capability.
Air Force acquisitions to strengthen air defence
For the Indian Air Force, the DAC approved proposals for helicopters, air defence systems, weapons and a Mobile X-Band Doppler Weather Radar System.
The proposed Special Utility Helicopters will help meet the Air Force’s air transport requirements. The X-Band Doppler Weather Radar System will provide high-resolution, localised weather surveillance in forward areas.
82 per cent of procurement planned from Indian industry
The government said approximately 82 per cent of the total procurements covered by the approved AoNs would be sourced from Indian industry.
The approvals cover a range of platforms and systems intended to strengthen mobility, surveillance, air defence and combat capabilities across the three services. The AoN approvals mark an initial stage in the capital acquisition process and do not, by themselves, confirm that contracts have been awarded.
