India’s Defence Modernisation Push: DAC Clears ₹79,000-Crore Capital Procurement

India has taken a significant step toward strengthening its defence capabilities as the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved capital procurement proposals worth approximately ₹79,000 crore (about US$ 8.8 billion). The approvals cover a wide range of advanced weapon systems and equipment aimed at enhancing the operational preparedness of the Army, Navy and Air Force amid evolving security challenges.

What Was Approved

The cleared proposals include the acquisition of loitering munition systems, long-range guided rockets for artillery, advanced radars, drone-detection systems, and other high-end surveillance and combat technologies. These systems are expected to significantly improve precision strike capability, situational awareness, and protection against emerging threats such as drones and unmanned aerial platforms.

The focus on loitering munitions and counter-drone technologies reflects lessons drawn from recent global conflicts, where unmanned systems have played a decisive role in modern warfare.

Strengthening Operational Preparedness

The procurement approvals aim to upgrade combat readiness across multiple domains—land, air and maritime. Long-range guided rockets will enhance artillery firepower, while advanced radar and detection systems will improve early-warning capabilities and battlefield awareness.

Such acquisitions are crucial in the context of India’s two-front security challenges, border tensions, and the need for rapid response capabilities in diverse terrains.

Part of Long-Term Defence Modernisation

The DAC approvals align with India’s broader defence-modernisation strategy and its push for technology-intensive, future-ready armed forces. They also complement initiatives such as Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India in Defence, with a growing emphasis on indigenous manufacturing, technology transfer, and domestic defence industries.

Strategic Significance

By integrating cutting-edge systems into its military, India reinforces its deterrence posture, enhances national security, and signals its commitment to maintaining credible defence preparedness in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.