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Informist, Friday, Mar. 27, 2026

--Govt: Defence panel OKs proposals worth INR 2.38 tln to up capabilities 

NEW DELHI – The Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Friday gave clearance to a number of proposals worth INR 2.38 trillion to augment capabilities of the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and the Coast Guard.

For the Indian Army, Acceptance of Necessity was given to air defence tracked system, armoured piercing tank ammunition, high capacity radio relay, Dhanush gun system, and runway independent aerial surveillance system. "The air defence tracked system will provide real time air defence control and reporting capability, while the high capacity radio relay will provide reliable and fail proof communication," a government release said.

The Dhanush gun system will enhance the artillery's capabilities to engage targets at longer range in all terrains with enhanced lethality and accuracy, it said. The runway independent aerial surveillance system will provide surveillance capabilities to the Army units, with the armoured piercing tank ammunition enhancing the lethality of anti-tank ammunition.

For the Indian Air Force, proposals were cleared for the procurement of medium transport aircraft, S-400 long range surface-to-air missile system, remotely piloted strike aircraft and overhaul of Su-30 aero engine aggregates. "The induction of medium transport aircraft by replacing the transport fleet of AN32 and IL76 will meet the strategic, tactical and operational airlift requirements of the Services," the release added. The S-400 system can counter long-range air vectors, while the remotely piloted strike aircraft will enable launching offensive air operations, also providing stealth intelligence, surveillance and recognition activities. The overhaul of Su-30 aero engine and its aggregates will increase the service life of the aircraft and fulfil the operational requirement of the Air Force, it said.

For the Indian Coast Guard, clearance was given for heavy duty air cushion vehicles. These vehicles will be used for multipurpose maritime coastal operational roles, including high-speed coastal patrolling, reconnaissance, search and rescue operations, rendering assistance to ships and carrying personnel and stores including logistics. In 2025-26 (Apr-Mar), the defence acquisition council has granted acceptance to 55 proposals amounting to INR 6.73 trillion. "Besides, capital procurement contracts have been signed for 503 proposals amounting to INR 2.28 trillion in the current financial year," the release said.  End

Reported by Asim Khan

Edited by Akul Nishant Akhoury

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