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India has taken a monumental leap toward comprehensive military modernization and self-reliance as the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has officially approved high-value procurement proposals worth approximately Rs 1.10 lakh crore. Chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the crucial meeting granted ‘Acceptance of Necessity’ (AoN) for an array of advanced military hardware, tactical vehicles, radars, and combat support systems. In alignment with New Delhi’s ambitious ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative, an overwhelming 98 percent of this mega-defense acquisition will be sourced directly from the domestic Indian defense industry, marking a decisive shift away from foreign military dependency.

Major Equipment Upgrades for the Indian Army

The newly approved capital acquisitions are tailored to significantly bolster the operational readiness of the Indian Army across diverse and challenging terrains. Key procurements include Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Reconnaissance Vehicles designed to detect and monitor contaminated zones, alongside rugged High Mobility Vehicles that promise unmatched logistical support in difficult environments. To enhance combat engineering and mobility during rapid operations, the Army will also acquire Self-Propelled Mechanical Mine Layers, Trawl Tanks, and the versatile Sarvatra Bridge System, ensuring seamless troop and armor movement across rugged boundaries.

Strengthening Naval and Air Force Combat Capabilities

In addition to bolstering land forces, the DAC has cleared critical modernization initiatives for the Indian Navy and Air Force. The Navy is set to acquire indigenous Arudhra Radars to replace legacy Air Route Surveillance systems across naval air stations, alongside critical Marine Gas Turbines (MGT) to power warships, thereby eliminating foreign vulnerabilities in propulsion systems. Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force will receive advanced Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH), Ground-Based Multi-Purpose Jammers (GBMPJs) for sophisticated electronic warfare, and the implementation of the Defence Forces Secure Access Card (DEFSAC) system—an RFID-based smart card initiative replacing traditional paper passes to enhance base security.