New Delhi: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on 26 October, 2026, granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) to capital acquisition proposals worth approximately Rs 2.12 lakh crore for the armed forces.
The approvals cover a range of equipment, including artillery systems, helicopters, air defence platforms, drones, surveillance systems and naval platforms. According to the Ministry of Defence, around 82% of the approved procurements will be sourced from Indian industry.
Army to Acquire Artillery, Helicopters and Drone Systems
For the Indian Army, the DAC approved the procurement of High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs), a Self-Propelled Tracked Gun System, Gun Shot Response System (GSRS), Light Multi Role Helicopters (LMRH) and Very Short-Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS).
The approvals also cover a Platform-Based Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS), an Unmanned Aerial System Brick Long Range, surveillance UAVs, an Integrated Surveillance and Strike System and a Long Range Kamikaze Drone System.
The HMVs are expected to improve troop and equipment movement, logistics and mobility in difficult terrain. The tracked gun system will provide mechanised formations with greater mobility and firepower, while the GSRS will deliver real-time situational awareness.
The LMRHs will support reconnaissance, surveillance, combat, search and rescue, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations for both the Army and the Indian Air Force.
The VSHORADS will address emerging threats from small aerial targets, while the C-UAS is intended to improve tank survivability against unmanned aerial threats. The surveillance and drone systems will strengthen the Army’s ability to monitor areas of operation and identify targets.
Navy Gets Approval for Decoy Systems and Naval Platforms
For the Indian Navy, the council approved the procurement of an Active Offboard Decoy System (AODS) and other major naval platforms.
The AODS is intended to strengthen protection against incoming missiles, particularly modern anti-ship missiles. The indigenously designed and constructed naval platforms will incorporate modern warfare capabilities and add to the Navy’s combat strength.
Air Force Approvals Cover Helicopters and Air Defence
The Indian Air Force received approval for helicopters, air defence systems, weapons and Mobile X-Band Doppler Weather Radar Systems.
The proposed Special Utility Helicopters will help meet the Air Force’s air transport requirements. The X-Band Doppler weather radars will provide high-resolution, localised weather information in forward areas, supporting operations where timely weather data is important.
Around 82% of Procurement to Come from Indian Industry
The Ministry of Defence said approximately 82% of the total procurements covered by the AoNs would be made from Indian industry.
The approvals span equipment for mobility, surveillance, air defence, missile protection and combat operations across the three services. The AoN represents an in-principle approval to proceed with an acquisition proposal; it does not, by itself, mean that procurement contracts have been signed.
