Defence Acquisition India
National News: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) that gave the green light to this major deal. The procurement includes surface-to-air missiles, electronic warfare systems, armoured vehicles, and smart naval platforms. What sets this deal apart is its focus on indigenous sourcing—ensuring the majority of equipment is designed, developed, and manufactured in India. The move is expected to catalyse India’s domestic defence sector, boosting Make in India and reducing dependency on imports.
This is also a direct strategic step following lessons from Operation Sindoor, where India’s indigenous defence systems played a critical role in intercepting enemy strikes. The DAC’s decision signals both tactical foresight and industrial push.
The DAC cleared acquisition proposals from all three military branches. These include modern battlefield equipment such as advanced missile systems, integrated inventory management, and armoured recovery vehicles. Also included are cutting-edge electronic warfare suites, vital for modern-day battlefield supremacy. The proposals collectively aim to provide greater firepower, mobility, and operational preparedness. Indigenous sources will deliver these platforms under the "Buy Indian - IDDM" category.
By mandating Indian sourcing, the ministry seeks to empower local defence manufacturers and tech innovators. Startups and private defence players are likely to benefit from component contracts and sub-systems. India’s long-term goal of achieving defence self-reliance gets a boost through this mega acquisition. Additionally, indigenous innovation will see faster real-world deployment via this direct demand. Experts believe this could trigger a ripple of growth in defence R&D.
While DAC’s approval sets the ball rolling, final Cabinet approval is still required. Once cleared, procurement orders and production contracts will be initiated in phased rollouts. Historically, DAC clearance leads to faster government-to-government negotiations and contract closures. The defence ecosystem has already begun pre-production assessments. Officials expect initial delivery within 18–24 months post-cabinet clearance.
Operation Sindoor served as a proving ground for India’s missile systems. DRDO’s Akash and Russia-sourced S-400 systems effectively intercepted hostile retaliatory strikes from Pakistan. The BrahMos missile system was crucial in neutralising enemy airbases. This experience highlighted the urgency of equipping forces with next-gen responsive systems. Hence, procurement now focuses on offensive and defensive multi-domain capability.
The proposal covers naval assets such as moored mines, countermeasure vessels, submersible autonomous platforms, and super rapid gun mounts. These are expected to enhance India’s undersea and maritime security capabilities. The Navy sees these as essential in securing merchant routes and coastal defence. Indigenous development will guide design and deployment. This ensures critical IP and system mastery stays within India.
The acquisitions are meant to support rapid deployment and combat agility. Forces will be able to respond faster and sustain operations with stronger logistical chains. Integration of these new platforms is aligned with emerging hybrid warfare strategies. Overall, the deals mark a decisive step toward readiness for high-intensity, technology-driven conflict. India’s defence preparedness now enters a new phase of modernization.
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