India’s ₹1.05 Trillion Defence Leap: DAC Greenlights 10 Mega Military Projects

In a sweeping move to modernize India’s armed forces, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 10 capital acquisition proposals worth ₹1.05 trillion. The approvals span across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard, with 99% of procurement sourced from indigenous manufacturers under the “Buy Indian” and “Buy Indian-IDDM” categories.

 

Key Highlights:

 

Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARVs): ₹8,000 crore cleared for 200 ARVs to support battlefield recovery of tanks and combat vehicles. Designed by DRDO, these will be manufactured by BEML and other domestic PSUs.

 

Electronic Warfare Systems: AoN granted for advanced EW suites for Su-30 MKI aircraft, including jammer pods and radar warning receivers, enhancing survivability against enemy air defences.

 

Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAM): ₹30,000 crore approved for three regiments of DRDO-developed Quick Reaction SAMs with 30 km range, bolstering layered air defence.

 

Combat Vehicles & Radars: Procurement of Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs) and Air Defence Fire Control Radars to modernize Army’s tank fleet and aerial threat detection.

 

Naval Assets: Dornier-228 aircraft, Next Gen Fast Patrol Vessels, and Offshore Patrol Vessels approved to enhance Coast Guard’s maritime surveillance and rescue capabilities.

 

Strategic Mines & Missiles: DRDO-developed pressure-based sea mines and medium-range anti-ship missiles cleared for Navy deployment.

 

This landmark approval signals India’s aggressive push toward defence self-reliance and operational readiness amid evolving regional threats.

 

Source: PIB, Economic Times, The Hindu