India Clears Defence Procurement Proposals Worth Rs 2.12 Lakh Crore, 82% Sourced Domestically

The Centre has approved defence capital acquisition proposals worth approximately Rs 2.12 lakh crore, with nearly 82 per cent of the planned procurement to be sourced from Indian industry, in a major push to strengthen the armed forces and promote domestic defence manufacturing.

The approvals were granted by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, which accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) to a range of procurement proposals for the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. The AoN represents in-principle approval to initiate the acquisition process and does not, by itself, constitute the final award of contracts.

For the Indian Army, the approved proposals cover a broad range of equipment, including high-mobility vehicles, self-propelled tracked gun systems, gunshot response systems, light multi-role helicopters, very short-range air defence systems and platform-based counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS).

The list also includes long-range unmanned aerial systems, surveillance drones, integrated surveillance and strike systems, and long-range kamikaze drones.

According to the Defence Ministry, high-mobility vehicles will improve troop movement and logistical support in difficult terrain, while self-propelled tracked gun systems will combine mobility with firepower to support mechanised formations. Gunshot response systems are expected to provide real-time information on hostile firing, improving battlefield awareness and helping troops respond more quickly.

The proposed light multi-role helicopters will serve both the Army and the Indian Air Force, supporting reconnaissance, surveillance, combat operations, search and rescue, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.

The very short-range air defence systems are intended to counter emerging threats from small aerial targets, while counter-drone systems will strengthen protection against unmanned aerial attacks. The proposed surveillance and strike platforms are expected to improve the Army's ability to detect threats, gather intelligence and engage targets over greater distances.

For the Indian Navy, the council approved the procurement of an Active Offboard Decoy System (AODS) and other major naval platforms.

The AODS is designed to strengthen a warship's defences against incoming anti-ship missiles by drawing threats away from the vessel. The ministry said the proposed indigenously designed and built naval platforms would incorporate modern warfare capabilities and enhance the Navy's operational effectiveness.

The Indian Air Force will receive additional capabilities through the proposed procurement of helicopters, air defence systems, weapons and a mobile X-band Doppler weather radar system.

The special utility helicopters are expected to address key air transport requirements, while the mobile radar will provide high-resolution, localised weather information in forward areas. Such information is important for operational planning, particularly in locations where rapidly changing weather can affect aircraft movement and mission execution.

The scale of the approvals, combined with the emphasis on domestic sourcing, underlines the government's continued effort to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and expand India's defence industrial base. A larger domestic procurement share could also support local manufacturers, technology development and supply-chain capacity.

However, the approvals mark an initial stage in the acquisition process. Actual deliveries and the operational benefits for the armed forces will depend on subsequent procurement procedures, contract awards, production schedules and the timely induction of the equipment.