The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved capital acquisition proposals worth approximately ₹2.12 lakh crore for the Indian armed forces, representing one of the country’s largest recent military modernisation initiatives. Around 82 percent of the proposed procurement is expected to come from Indian industry, supporting the government’s objective of expanding domestic defence manufacturing. The approvals have been granted as Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), the initial stage of the procurement process before tenders are issued and contracts are concluded. For the Indian Army, the proposed acquisitions reflect the changing requirements of future warfare, with emphasis on long-range precision strikes, unmanned platforms, counter-drone systems, mobility, and sustained operations along the western and northern borders. The package includes long-range kamikaze drones, surveillance UAVs, an Integrated Surveillance and Strike System, long-range unmanned aerial systems, platform-based counter-UAS equipment, Very Short-Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS), Light Multi-Role Helicopters, Self-Propelled Tracked Gun Systems, High Mobility Vehicles, and Gun Shot Response Systems. Recent operational experience, particularly Operation Sindoor, has influenced the Army’s modernisation priorities. The operation demonstrated the ability to engage high-value targets at long range without crossing international borders. The proposed systems are intended to make such capabilities a permanent part of the Army’s operational structure through an integrated sensor-to-shooter network that can detect, track, and engage targets deep inside enemy territory. On the western front, mechanised formations operating across the Rajasthan desert and Punjab plains require artillery capable of keeping pace with advancing forces. The proposed Self-Propelled Tracked Gun Systems are intended to meet this requirement. Conventional towed artillery is increasingly vulnerable to weapon-locating radars and persistent drone surveillance during deployment. Tracked systems can fire and relocate quickly, reducing exposure to enemy counter-battery attacks. The operational performance of the K9 Vajra has already demonstrated the value of mobile artillery in Indian service. Additional tracked artillery would help strike formations maintain fire support during deep operations while improving survivability against surveillance and precision strikes. The Gun Shot Response System addresses threats along the Line of Control and in counter-infiltration areas of Jammu and Kashmir. Acoustic detection technology can identify the location of sniper and small-arms fire within seconds, improving situational awareness and reducing the advantage of surprise attacks. On the northern frontier, logistical mobility remains essential, particularly in potential contingencies involving China. Although road infrastructure along the Line of Actual Control has improved, helicopters remain vital for supplying remote military posts and supporting operations in inaccessible mountainous terrain. The Light Multi-Role Helicopter acquisition is therefore important for replacing the ageing Cheetah and Chetak fleets, which have operated in demanding high-altitude conditions since the 1970s. The new helicopters are expected to undertake reconnaissance, surveillance, combat support, troop movement, search and rescue, and humanitarian assistance, particularly in areas such as Siachen and eastern Ladakh. High Mobility Vehicles will further support troop movement, logistics, and supply operations across mountain and plains sectors. The Indian Air Force component includes Mobile X-Band Doppler Weather Radar Systems, which will provide localised meteorological information in forward operating areas. At locations such as Ladakh, Daulat Beg Oldie, Nyoma, and Arunachal Pradesh, rapidly changing weather can restrict flying operations. Improved forecasting and real-time weather data could increase aircraft availability and sortie generation from forward airfields. Unmanned systems are another major element of the Army’s future battlefield architecture. The combination of surveillance UAVs, long-range unmanned platforms, Integrated Surveillance and Strike Systems, and long-range kamikaze drones is intended to establish an integrated reconnaissance and attack network. These systems are expected to support persistent surveillance, target identification, battle damage assessment, and precision strikes. Such capabilities would allow the Army to identify and engage important targets through its own network rather than relying entirely on other services for deep-strike support. Lessons from conflicts in Ukraine, the Caucasus, and West Asia have highlighted the growing role of loitering munitions. During Operation Sindoor, these systems reportedly contributed to suppressing air-defence assets and enabling subsequent operations. Long-range kamikaze drones also offer a relatively economical means of attacking radar installations, command centres, logistics facilities, and missile launchers while preserving more expensive missile inventories. The approvals also address the growing danger posed by drones to armoured formations. First-person-view drones and loitering munitions have demonstrated their ability to threaten tanks and other armoured vehicles. Platform-based Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems are intended to provide a more permanent protective capability than improvised battlefield modifications. VSHORADS will add another layer to the Army’s air-defence network by countering small and low-flying aerial threats. These systems will complement higher-tier assets such as Akash, MRSAM, and S-400 batteries, giving frontline units an organic capability against helicopters, UAVs, and low-altitude loitering munitions. Overall, the approvals reflect a shift towards military operations shaped by precision weapons, persistent surveillance, electronic warfare, autonomous platforms, and rapid operational tempo. The package is intended to prepare India’s armed forces for this evolving battlefield environment while strengthening domestic industry through a major indigenous procurement initiative.
