The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved 10 capital acquisition proposals worth ₹1.45 lakh crore. This move is a significant step towards bolstering India’s defence capabilities, with a strong emphasis on indigenous procurement. In line with the government’s vision for self-reliance, 99% of the approved acquisitions will be sourced under the ‘Buy (Indian)’ and ‘Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured)’ categories.
A key highlight of these approvals is the procurement of Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs) for the Indian Army. These advanced Main Battle Tanks are expected to bring enhanced mobility, multi-terrain capabilities, layered protection, precision weaponry, and real-time situational awareness to the Indian Army’s tank fleet, marking a significant modernization effort.
The DAC also greenlit the acquisition of Air Defence Fire Control Radars, which will improve the Army’s ability to detect and track aerial targets, providing critical firing solutions. Additionally, the Council approved the procurement of Forward Repair Team (Tracked) vehicles. These vehicles, designed by Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited, are equipped to perform in-situ repairs during mechanized operations and will be deployed with both Mechanized Infantry Battalions and Armoured Regiments.
Further enhancing the capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), the DAC has approved three key procurements: Dornier-228 aircraft, Next Generation Fast Patrol Vessels, and Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels. These acquisitions are expected to significantly boost the ICG’s operational readiness, enabling effective surveillance, patrolling, search and rescue missions, and disaster relief operations in India’s maritime zones.