On 5 August 2025, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved a series of capital acquisition proposals amounting to Rs 67,000 crore to fortify the operational readiness of the Indian Armed Forces.
DAC has granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of Thermal Imager-based Driver Night Sights for BMP vehicles for the Indian Army. This is aimed at enhancing the night-time mobility and operational precision of Mechanised Infantry units.
In regards to the Indian Navy, AoNs have been approved for the procurement of Compact Autonomous Surface Craft, BrahMos Fire Control Systems and Launchers, and the upgradation of the BARAK-1 Point Defence Missile System. The Compact Autonomous Surface Craft will reinforce the capabilities in detecting, classifying, and neutralising threats during anti-submarine warfare operations.
The Indian Air Force has been cleared for the procurement of Mountain Radars and for upgrading of the SAKSHAM/SPYDER Weapon System. Mountain Radars are expected to enhance surveillance along mountainous terrains, while the upgraded SAKSHAM/SPYDER system—integrated with the Integrated Air Command and Control System—will bolster the air defence structure.
The Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs) for the Army, Navy, and Air Force has also been approved by DAC. These drones are efficient in carrying diverse payloads and weaponry, will provide extended-range surveillance and combat capabilities, enabling continuous operational readiness.
AoNs have been accorded for the sustenance of the C-17 and C-130J aircraft fleets, along with a comprehensive annual maintenance contract for the S-400 Long Range Air Defence Missile System, ensuring high availability and efficiency of these critical assets.
“DAC has also accorded AoN for sustenance of C-17 and C-130J fleets and comprehensive annual maintenance contract of S-400 Long Range Air Defence Missile System,” the press release stated.
India, has utilized Israeli Harop and Harpy kamikaze drones, which mimic the cruise missiles by detonating into enemy targets and radars. These have also been employed during operation Sindoor to hit targets deep inside Pakistan.
The armed forces are looking forward to induct the 87 new MALE drones. These are reported to return to their bases after strike missions and are considered to be faster than the 31-armed MQ-9B `Predator’ HALE (high-altitude, long endurance) drones ordered from the US for Rs 32,350 crore in Oct last year.
