DAC Clears ₹79,000 Crore Proposals to Boost Armed Forces Capabilities

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, approved a slew of proposals worth approximately ₹79,000 crore to significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, during a meeting in New Delhi today.

For the Indian Army, the DAC accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of the Nag Missile System (Tracked) Mk-II (NAMIS), which will bolster the force’s capability to neutralize enemy combat vehicles, bunkers, and other field fortifications. The Ground Based Mobile ELINT System (GBMES) will provide round-the-clock electronic intelligence on enemy emitters, giving the Army a critical edge. Additionally, High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs) with Material Handling Cranes are set to improve logistics support in diverse and challenging terrains, from deserts to high-altitude zones.

The Indian Navy’s capabilities are set to get a major boost with approvals for Landing Platform Docks (LPDs), enabling amphibious operations alongside the Army and Air Force, as well as support for peacekeeping, Humanitarian Assistance, and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions. The 30mm Naval Surface Gun (NSG) will strengthen low-intensity maritime operations and anti-piracy efforts for both the Navy and Coast Guard. The Advanced Light Weight Torpedoes (ALWT), indigenously developed by DRDO’s Naval Science & Technological Laboratory, can target conventional, nuclear, and midget submarines, adding a potent anti-submarine warfare edge. Smart Ammunition for the 76mm Super Rapid Gun Mount will further enhance precision targeting.

For the Indian Air Force, the DAC approved the Collaborative Long Range Target Saturation/Destruction System (CLRTS/DS) – a swarm drone system capable of autonomous take-off, landing, navigation, and delivering payloads for long-range precision strikes, marking a significant leap in air combat capability.

These approvals underline the government’s focus on modernizing the armed forces, promoting self-reliance, and encouraging indigenous manufacturing under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’initiative, strengthening India’s defense preparedness across multiple theaters.