File image of the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) system. | Photo credit: special arrangement
The Defense Acquisition Council, chaired by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, on Friday (March 27, 2026) granted Acceptance of Need (AoN) for capital procurement proposals worth approximately ₹2.38 lakh crore, significantly enhancing India’s combat, surveillance and mobility capabilities across the armed forces.
For the Indian Army, approvals include tracked air defense systems, armor-piercing tank munitions, high-capacity radio relays, the Dhanush weapon system and runway-independent air surveillance systems. These systems aim to strengthen real-time air defense control, improve secure communication, increase long-range artillery firepower, and improve battlefield surveillance and anti-tank lethality.
The Indian Air Force has received approvals for the procurement of medium transport aircraft, S-400 long-range surface-to-air missile system, remotely piloted attack aircraft and overhaul of Su-30 aero-engine aggregates. The new transport aircraft will replace the aging AN-32 and IL-76 fleets, enhancing strategic and tactical airlift capability. The S-400 system will bolster air defense, while remotely piloted platforms will enable precision strikes and advanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. Engine overhauls will extend the operational life of the Su-30 fleet.
For the Indian Coast Guard, AoN for heavy air cushion vehicles was agreed to support coastal patrol, reconnaissance, search and rescue and high-speed logistics operations.
In FY 2025-26, the DAC agreed to AoNs for 55 proposals worth ₹6.73 lakh crore, while contracts were signed for 503 proposals valued at ₹2.28 lakh crore, marking the highest ever procurement activity in a single financial year, officials said.
Published – March 27, 2026 09:56 pm IST