In a significant push to bolster India’s combat readiness, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Friday accorded acceptance of necessity (AoN) to proposals worth ₹2.38 lakh crore, signalling a major upgrade in surveillance, air defence and strike capabilities across the services.
For the Army
For the Indian Army, approval was accorded for the Air Defence Tracked System, Armour-Piercing Tank Ammunition, High-Capacity Radio Relay, Dhanush Gun System and Runway Independent Aerial Surveillance System.
The Air Defence Tracked System will provide real-time air defence control and reporting capabilities, while the High Capacity Radio Relay will offer reliable and fail-proof communication. The Dhanush Gun System will enhance the capabilities of the artillery to engage targets at longer ranges in all terrains with greater lethality and accuracy.
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The Runway Independent Aerial Surveillance System will boost the surveillance capabilities of the Indian Army units, while the Armour-Piercing Tank Ammunition will make anti-tank ammunition more lethal, the Defence Ministry said in a release.
The systems cleared will enhance battlefield awareness, improve real-time communication and boost long-range firepower, making the Indian Army more agile and effective in both plains and high-altitude terrains.
Indian Air Force
For the Indian Air Force, proposals were cleared for the procurement of Medium Transport Aircraft, S-400 long-range surface-to-air missile system, Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft and overhaul of Su-30 aero-engine aggregates.
The induction of Medium Transport Aircraft by replacing the ageing transport fleet of An-32 and Il-76 will meet the strategic, tactical and operational airlift requirements of the IAF, the ministry said.
The S-400 will shield key assets from long-range aerial threats, while Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft will bolster offensive and coordinated air operations, besides enabling stealth intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions for the IAF.
The overhaul of the Su-30 aero engine and its aggregates will increase the service life of the aircraft and fulfil the operational requirements of the Air Force, the ministry said.
The S-400 system will strengthen India’s air defence shield against long-range threats, while the decision to acquire remotely piloted strike aircraft signals a shift towards drone-led warfare and precision operations. The induction of new transport aircraft and the overhaul of existing fighter engines will ensure sustained operational readiness and rapid deployment capability.
Coast Guard
For the Indian Coast Guard, AoN was accorded for Heavy-Duty Air Cushion Vehicles. “These vehicles will be used for multipurpose maritime coastal operational roles, including high-speed coastal patrolling, reconnaissance, search and rescue operations, rendering assistance to ships and carrying personnel and stores, including logistics.”
“In the Financial Year 2025-26, AoN for 55 proposals amounting to ₹6.73 lakh crore has been accorded by the DAC. Moreover, capital procurement contracts have been signed for 503 proposals amounting to ₹2.28 lakh crore in the current fiscal year. Both the quantum of AoN given and capital contracts signed so far have been the highest in any given financial year,” the ministry added.
The approvals are significant as they focus not just on acquiring equipment but on building integrated capabilities in air defence, surveillance, communication and strike operations.