DAC Clears ₹3.6 Lakh Crore Defence Procurement Boost

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved capital acquisition proposals worth nearly ₹3.60 lakh crore to enhance the operational capabilities of India’s Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defence said.

The approvals were granted through Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), the first step in the defence procurement process.

Major Boost for Indian Air Force

The DAC cleared procurement of Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA), combat missiles and Air-Ship Based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (AS-HAPS) systems for the Indian Air Force.

The proposal includes acquisition of 114 Rafale fighter jets from France:

• 18 aircraft to be procured off-the-shelf
• 96 jets to be manufactured in India by Dassault Aviation

The approved combat missiles are expected to enhance stand-off ground attack capability with deep-strike precision.

Army Modernisation Measures

For the Indian Army, AoN has been accorded for:

• Procurement of Anti-Tank Mines (Vibhav)
• Overhaul of Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARVs)
• Upgradation of T-72 tanks
• Modernisation of Infantry Combat Vehicles

These measures aim to improve mobility, survivability and combat readiness.

Naval and Coast Guard Capabilities

The Indian Navy will procure Marine Gas Turbine-based Electric Power Generators and additional Boeing P‑8I Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft to strengthen maritime surveillance.

For the Indian Coast Guard, AoN has been granted for Electro-Optical/Infra-Red systems for Dornier aircraft to enhance monitoring capabilities.