India Approves ₹67,000 Crore Defence Procurement Projects

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The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved a series of major procurement projects worth ₹67,000 crore, marking a significant step in India’s ongoing efforts toward self-reliance and modernization of its armed forces.

The approvals, announced after a high-level meeting in New Delhi, include the acquisition of indigenous Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones, autonomous surface vessels, mountain radars, and upgrades to infantry combat vehicles and air defense systems. Officials said the projects are aimed at enhancing operational readiness across multiple domains of the Indian military.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the move aligns with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which promotes the development and deployment of homegrown defense technologies. By prioritizing indigenous production, the projects are expected to reduce dependency on imports, bolster the domestic defense industry, and generate employment within the sector.

The MALE drones, designed for extended surveillance and reconnaissance missions, are anticipated to strengthen the military’s intelligence-gathering capabilities. These drones will be capable of operating in a variety of weather conditions, enabling real-time monitoring of borders and maritime zones.

The approved autonomous surface vessels will boost the Navy’s ability to conduct unmanned patrols, mine countermeasures, and coastal security missions, reducing operational risks to personnel. Mountain radars, another key component of the procurement list, are intended to enhance detection and tracking capabilities in high-altitude terrains, a crucial advantage for monitoring sensitive border areas.

The upgrades to infantry combat vehicles and air defence systems are aimed at improving mobility, protection, and firepower for ground forces, while also enhancing the ability to intercept aerial threats. The Ministry of Defence noted that these modernization efforts will provide troops with improved battlefield effectiveness and survivability.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the strategic importance of the DAC’s decisions, stating that the approved projects reflect India’s determination to strengthen its defense capabilities with a focus on indigenous innovation. He emphasized that the integration of advanced technology into all branches of the armed forces remains a key priority.

The DAC, which serves as the top decision-making body for defense procurement, routinely reviews and sanctions projects to meet the evolving operational requirements of the military. Tuesday’s approvals are among the largest in recent years, underscoring the government’s commitment to accelerating defense infrastructure and capability development.

Industry experts say the scale of the sanctioned projects could stimulate growth in India’s defense manufacturing sector, encouraging private sector participation alongside established public sector undertakings. This, they note, will likely expand the country’s technological base while strengthening supply chain resilience.

With the global security environment becoming increasingly complex, India’s latest procurement approvals signal a decisive move toward a more self-reliant, modernized, and technologically advanced defense posture. The projects, once implemented, are expected to significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian armed forces across land, air, and maritime domains.