₹79,000 Crore Defence Acquisition Plan to Boost Armed Forces’ Capabilities

In a significant step towards modernizing India’s military power, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved a comprehensive package of defense procurements valued at nearly ₹79,000 crore for the Army, Navy, and Air Force on October 23, 2025. This move is expected to dramatically enhance the country’s defense preparedness by incorporating cutting-edge technology and equipment across multiple branches of the armed forces.

Strengthening the Indian Army: Advanced Missiles and Intelligence

Armed Forces, Among the key approvals for the Indian Army is the acquisition of the Nag Missile System (Tracked) Mk-II (NAMIS). Designed to neutralize enemy tanks, bunkers, and fortified positions, this indigenous weapon system aims to reinforce the Army’s offensive and defensive capabilities on the ground. The procurement of Ground-Based Mobile Electronic Intelligence Systems (GBMES) will significantly boost the Army’s ability to monitor, intercept, and analyze electronic signals from adversaries, ensuring real-time battlefield awareness.

Additionally, the Army will receive new High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs) equipped with material handling cranes. These vehicles will strengthen logistics support and enable the swift movement of heavy equipment in diverse and challenging terrains, which is crucial for maneuverability and operational readiness.

Indian Navy: Enhanced Amphibious and Anti-Submarine Capabilities

The largest portion of the new procurement plan is allocated to upgrading the Indian Navy’s assets, furthering its ability to secure maritime interests. Notable among these is the Approval of Necessity (AoN) for the acquisition of Landing Platform Docks (LPDs), which are critical for conducting large-scale amphibious operations and rapid troop deployments with heavy equipment. These multipurpose ships can also be used for peacekeeping, disaster relief, and humanitarian assistance missions, providing a vital strategic asset to the navy.

Other major naval acquisitions include 30mm Naval Surface Guns (NSG), Advanced Light Weight Torpedoes (ALWT), Electro-Optical Infrared Search and Track Systems, and Smart Ammunition for 76mm Super Rapid Gun Mounts. The ALWT, developed indigenously, is capable of engaging both conventional and nuclear-powered submarines, thus reinforcing India’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities in the Indian Ocean region.

The addition of upgraded naval guns and surveillance systems will further empower the Indian Navy and Coast Guard to conduct anti-piracy operations, safeguard trade routes, and respond to low-intensity maritime threats more effectively.

Indian Air Force: Next-Generation Targeting and Payload Delivery

The Indian Air Force is set to benefit from the procurement of the Collaborative Long-Range Target Saturation/Destruction System (CLRTS/DS) and other cutting-edge systems. The CLRTS/DS is notable for its capacity for autonomous takeoff, navigation, targeting, and payload delivery, providing an advanced solution for high-value and high-risk missions. This capability ensures that the Air Force can efficiently neutralize targets over great distances with minimal risk to personnel.

This investment for Armed Forces is part of the broader strategy to integrate more indigenous technologies into the operational framework, supporting the government’s push for ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliance in defence manufacturing).

Domestic Defence Production: A Push for Self-Reliance

Reflecting the nation’s Armed Forces growing emphasis on indigenous defence manufacturing, this latest round of approvals is set to benefit leading Indian defence companies. Firms such as Bharat Electronics, Bharat Dynamics, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, and others are expected to play a vital role in executing these projects, reinforcing the government’s objective of reducing dependence on foreign suppliers and promoting home-grown expertise.

Recent figures from the Ministry of Defence highlight that India’s annual domestic defence production has grown to ₹1.5 lakh crore, with significant contributions from both the public and private sectors. The government hopes that the new contracts will create more jobs, nurture innovation, and enhance India’s standing as a major global defence exporter.

Strategic Impact: Transforming India’s Defence Landscape

This landmark approval underscores the government’s ongoing efforts to modernize the Indian military and address emerging security challenges. By equipping the armed forces with the latest technology, enhanced firepower, and improved surveillance capabilities, the nation is better prepared to safeguard its sovereignty and respond to traditional and non-traditional security threats.

In summary, the ₹79,000 crore defence procurement push is a major milestone for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, symbolizing India’s drive towards military modernization and self-reliance, while significantly boosting operational readiness and national security.