NEW DELHI: In a major boost to defense procurement, the Rajnath Singh-led Defense Acquisition Council on Friday granted approvals to several proposals worth around Rs 2.38 lakh crore, including additional units of Russian-made S-400 long-range surface-to-air missile system and 155mm Dhanush (howitzer) weapon systems.“The decisions taken in the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) will help further strengthen India’s defense preparedness. It is reassuring to note that in the financial year 2025-26, the DAC agreed AoN for 55 proposals, worth Rs 6.73 lakh crore. Additionally, capital procurement contracts have been signed for 503 proposals worth Rs 2.28 lakh crore in the current financial year. This is the highest number in any year financial,” Rajnath said in a post on X.
The approval of additional S-400 ‘Sudarshan’ systems, which helped neutralize Pakistani missiles during last year’s conflict in May and also had to its credit the destruction of the world’s longest-range enemy aircraft, came at a time when IAF teams are in Russia to take delivery of the fourth squadron under the previous contract for five such systems.The fourth system is likely to arrive in May, while the fifth squadron is expected in December.Another big approval is the nod for the procurement of medium transport aircraft, probably 60 of them, to replace the IAF’s aging AN32 and IL-76 transport fleet that help the force meet the military’s strategic, tactical and operational airlift requirements. The Brazilian firm Embraer, the American Lockheed Martin and the Russian manufacturer Ilyushin are the main contenders for the mega contract.For the Army, the defense council has approved air defense tracked systems, armor-piercing munitions for armored tanks, high-capacity radio relays, runway-independent air surveillance systems and 155mm Dhanush gun systems. For air defense tracking systems, reports indicate that India could acquire Russian Pantsir-S1 systems to protect India’s S-400 assets from low-flying threats and drones.“The air defense tracking system will provide real-time air defense reporting and control capability, while the high-capacity radio relay will provide reliable and fail-safe communication,” a Ministry of Defense statement said. The runway-independent aerial surveillance system will provide surveillance capabilities to Army units, with armor-piercing munitions for armored tanks that will improve the lethality of anti-tank munitions.The 155mm Dhanush howitzers, which have been deployed along the borders with Pakistan and China, will enhance artillery capabilities to engage targets at longer ranges across all terrains with greater lethality and accuracy. The desi guns, whose design is based on the Bofors howitzers, have already been incorporated into the army, as 114 guns were ordered a few years ago.For the IAF, the DAC approved remotely piloted attack aircraft and overhaul of Su-30 aero engine aggregates to increase the service life of IAF’s main combat aircraft. Remotely piloted attack aircraft will enable coordinated air operations and offensive counterattacks and provide stealthy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance activities.For the Indian Coast Guard, the DAC granted AoN for heavy air cushion vehicles. These vehicles will be used for multi-purpose maritime coastal operational roles, including high-speed coastal patrol, reconnaissance, search and rescue operations.