India greenlights Rs 79,000 crore military hardware procurement spanning three services

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for multiple procurement proposals amounting to around Rs 79,000 crore during its meeting held on December 29, 2025.

For the Indian Army, the DAC approved procurement of loiter munition systems for artillery regiments, low level lightweight radars, long-range guided rocket ammunition for the Pinaka multiple launch rocket system, and the Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System Mk-II.

The defence ministry said loiter munition systems will be used for precision strikes against tactical targets. The low level lightweight radars are intended to detect and track small-sized, low-flying unmanned aerial systems.

According to the ministry, the long-range guided rockets will enhance the range and accuracy of the Pinaka rocket system, enabling effective engagement of high-value targets. The Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System Mk-II, with enhanced range, will be deployed to protect vital Indian Army assets in both tactical battle areas and the hinterland.

For the Indian Navy, the council cleared procurement of Bollard Pull tugs, high frequency software defined radios (HF SDR) Manpack, and approved leasing of high altitude long range remotely piloted aircraft systems (HALE RPAS).

The ministry said the Bollard Pull tugs will assist naval ships and submarines during berthing, unberthing and manoeuvring in confined waters and harbours. The HF SDR Manpack radios will enhance long-range secured communication during boarding and landing operations.

The HALE RPAS, to be taken on lease, will provide continuous intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and support credible maritime domain awareness over the Indian Ocean region, the ministry added.

For the Indian Air Force, the DAC approved procurement of the automatic take-off landing recording system, Astra Mk-II missiles, a full mission simulator and SPICE-1000 long-range guidance kits.

The defence ministry said induction of the automatic take-off landing recording system will fill gaps in the aerospace safety environment by providing high-definition, all-weather automatic recording of aircraft take-off and landing.

Astra Mk-II missiles, with enhanced range, will increase the capability of fighter aircraft to neutralise adversary aircraft from large stand-off distances. The full mission simulator for the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas will augment pilot training in a cost-effective and safe manner.

The ministry added that the SPICE-1000 guidance kits will enhance the Indian Air Force’s long-range precision strike capability.