Defence Upgrade: Centre Sanctions ₹79,000-Crore Projects for Armed Forces

Centre Clears ₹79,000-Crore Defence Projects to Strengthen Armed Forces Capabilities.

In a significant boost to India’s defence preparedness, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Thursday approved proposals worth around ₹79,000 crore for modernising the Indian Armed Forces.

🔹 Indian Army

The DAC granted Acceptance of Necessity for:

Nag Missile System (Tracked) Mark-II – capable of destroying enemy tanks, bunkers, and fortified positions.

Ground-Based Mobile Electronic Intelligence System – for continuous monitoring of enemy signal emissions.

High Mobility Vehicles with Material Handling Cranes – to enhance logistics and transport of heavy equipment across difficult terrains.

These acquisitions are aimed at strengthening the Army’s combat capabilities and operational mobility.

🔹 Indian Navy

The council approved procurement of:

Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) – for large-scale amphibious operations alongside the Army and Air Force, as well as for peacekeeping and disaster relief missions.

30-mm Naval Surface Guns – to bolster anti-piracy and low-intensity maritime operations.

Advanced Lightweight Torpedoes – developed by Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL) under DRDO, capable of engaging conventional and nuclear-powered submarines.

• Electro-Optical Infrared Search & Track (EOSTR) Systems
• Smart Ammunition for 76-mm Super Rapid Gun Mounts

These systems will enhance maritime security, surveillance, and combat readiness of the Navy and the Coast Guard.

🔹 Indian Air Force

The DAC approved the Collaborative Long-Range Target Saturation and Destruction System, an autonomous system capable of taking off, navigating, identifying targets, and delivering payloads without manual intervention, strengthening the IAF’s strategic strike capabilities.

🔹 Focus on Indigenous Development

The Ministry of Defence highlighted that these approvals align with Aatmanirbhar Bharat goals, reflecting the government’s continued focus on modernising the armed forces with indigenously developed defence technologies.