New Delhi, July 4: India’s top defence procurement body has approved capital acquisition proposals worth ₹1.05 lakh crore ($12.6 billion) in its first meeting since Operation Sindoor, signalling a major push to bolster the armed forces’ operational capabilities through domestic sourcing.
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Thursday granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) to 10 capital acquisition proposals, all under the Buy (Indian–Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category, the Defence Ministry said in a statement.
Among the most significant approvals was the procurement of Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) systems valued at ₹30,000 crore for the Indian Army, aimed at strengthening air defence along the Pakistan border.
The DAC also cleared the acquisition of Armoured Recovery Vehicles, Electronic Warfare Systems, and an Integrated Common Inventory Management System for the Tri-Services to streamline logistics and enhance coordination across the military branches.
In the maritime domain, approvals were granted for Moored Mines, Mine Counter Measure Vessels, Super Rapid Gun Mounts, and Submersible Autonomous Vessels to mitigate threats to naval and merchant shipping. “These procurements will provide higher mobility, effective air defence, better supply chain management, and augment the operational preparedness of the armed forces,” the ministry said.
The acquisitions are expected to boost India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing, in line with the government’s Make in India initiative. By categorising the deals under the indigenously designed and developed procurement route, the government aims to stimulate local defence industry participation.
India, one of the world’s largest arms importers, has increasingly shifted focus towards indigenous production in recent years amid growing security challenges in the region.