New Delhi, Oct 23: India has cleared a massive ₹79,000-crore push to modernise its armed forces, with the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approving key procurements for the Army, Navy and Air Force in what officials described as a major stride in indigenous defence capability.
Chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the DAC granted the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for projects that include amphibious warships, missile systems, naval guns, surveillance platforms and high mobility support vehicles—all aimed at enhancing operational readiness in land, air and maritime domains.
For the Navy, the green light to acquire Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) marks a crucial step toward strengthening India’s amphibious and joint warfare capability. The LPDs will allow coordinated operations with the Army and Air Force, landing tanks, troops and vehicles directly onto coastlines without requiring port infrastructure.
The council also approved Advanced Light Weight Torpedoes (ALWT) developed indigenously by DRDO, 30mm Naval Surface Guns, and smart ammunition systems to bolster maritime defence and anti-piracy operations.
For the Army, new Nag Missile Systems (Tracked), Ground-Based Mobile ELINT Systems, and High Mobility Vehicles were approved, reinforcing both offensive and logistical strength. These systems will allow the Army to neutralise enemy armour and gather real-time electronic intelligence, even in high-altitude terrain.
The Air Force will acquire the Collaborative Long Range Target Saturation/Destruction System (CLRTS/DS)—a futuristic system capable of autonomous flight, navigation and precision payload delivery, enhancing deep-strike and saturation capabilities.
Officials said the approvals are part of India’s ongoing effort to expand indigenous production and reduce dependence on imports under the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
