In what could be a major boost to India's defence modernisation programme, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, is expected to consider proposals worth over ₹1 lakh crore on Friday, including the procurement of additional K-9 Vajra self-propelled artillery guns and loitering munitions for the Indian Army.
According to an NDTV report, this is expected to be one of the council's most significant meetings in recent times, as it is likely to consider granting Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) to several major acquisition proposals.
The report said a substantial portion of the proposals pertains to the Indian Army, which has been continuing its modernisation efforts. As part of one of its largest artillery acquisition programmes, the Army is reportedly planning to procure about 300 additional K-9 Vajra-T self-propelled howitzers.
Another proposal that the DAC is expected to consider relates to the procurement of loitering munitions for the Indian Army. These have become an integral part of modern warfare, as demonstrated by recent conflicts across the world. Their ability to transform the way armed forces conduct surveillance, target acquisition and precision strikes has made it increasingly important for the Army to strengthen its drone arsenal.
Besides these, the DAC is also expected to consider proposals for the procurement of Verba Man-Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS), air defence guns and Active Protection Systems (APS) for tanks and other armoured vehicles. Earlier reports had suggested that the Indian Army plans to procure additional Russian 9K333 Verba MANPADS, which are designed to destroy aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles.
According to the report, the Indian Air Force's proposals include long-range stand-off precision missiles, air-to-air refuelling aircraft and advanced air defence radar systems.
For the Indian Navy, the proposals under consideration include autonomous underwater vehicles, next-generation heavyweight torpedoes and unmanned surface vessels (USVs).
The proposed acquisitions place a strong emphasis on indigenous procurement, in line with the government's push for self-reliance in defence.
