India's Defence Acquisition Council Approves Major Military Hardware Purchases

Significant Defence Procurement Decisions Made

New Delhi: On Thursday, the Defence Acquisition Council, led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved ten proposals for the acquisition of military equipment, including missiles and electronic warfare systems, totaling around Rs 1.05 lakh crore, focusing on domestic sourcing.

The Council granted its 'Acceptance of Necessity' (AoN) for various procurements, such as Armoured Recovery Vehicles, Electronic Warfare Systems, an Integrated Common Inventory Management System for the Tri-Services, and Surface-to-Air Missiles. These acquisitions aim to enhance mobility, improve air defense capabilities, streamline supply chain management, and boost the operational readiness of the Armed Forces.

Additionally, AoNs were approved for Moored Mines, Mine Counter Measure Vessels, Super Rapid Gun Mounts, and Submersible Autonomous Vessels, which will help mitigate risks to naval and merchant vessels.

To further promote indigenous design and development, AoNs were issued under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category, as stated by the Defence Ministry.

India's domestic defence production has reached a record high of Rs 1.46 lakh crore, with exports hitting an unprecedented Rs 24,000 crore in 2024-25, according to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

He highlighted that defence production, which stood at Rs 43,000 crore a decade ago, has now soared to Rs 1,46,000 crore, with the private sector contributing over Rs 32,000 crore. Defence exports, previously around Rs 600-700 crore, have now exceeded Rs 24,000 crore.

During his recent address at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) annual summit, he emphasized the importance of Make-in-India for national security and prosperity, citing the successful use of indigenous systems during 'Operation Sindoor' as evidence of India's capability to breach enemy defenses.

Minister Singh noted that India's weapons, systems, sub-systems, components, and services are now reaching nearly 100 countries. Over 16,000 MSMEs in the defence sector are playing a crucial role in the supply chain, contributing to self-reliance and providing employment to millions.

He also mentioned that the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program will allow private sector participation in a significant defence project alongside public sector companies for the first time, further strengthening the Make in India initiative in the defence sector.