NEW DELHI: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by defence minster Rajnath Singh, on Friday granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for defence procurement proposals worth about Rs 2.38 lakh crore, aimed at strengthening the operational capabilities of the armed forces.For the Indian Army, approvals include the 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 ensure reliable and fail proof communication. The Dhanush Gun System will enhance artillery capabilities to engage targets at longer ranges across terrains with improved lethality and accuracy. The Runway Independent Aerial Surveillance System will bolster surveillance for Army units, and the Armoured Piercing Tank Ammunition will strengthen anti tank firepower.For the Indian Air Force, the DAC cleared proposals for Medium Transport Aircraft, the S-400 Long Range Surface to Air Missile System, Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft and overhaul of Su-30 aero engine aggregates. The Medium Transport Aircraft, set to replace the AN-32 and IL-76 fleets, will address strategic, tactical and operational airlift requirements.The S-400 system will counter enemy long range aerial threats targeting critical assets, while Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft will enable offensive counter and coordinated air operations along with stealth intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The overhaul of Su-30 aero engines and aggregates is expected to extend aircraft service life and meet operational demands.For the Indian Coast Guard, AoN was accorded for Heavy Duty Air Cushion Vehicles to support multipurpose coastal operations, including high speed patrolling, reconnaissance, search and rescue, assistance to ships and transport of personnel and logistics.The ministry also said that in the financial year 2025-26, AoN for 55 proposals worth Rs 6.73 lakh crore has been accorded by the DAC. Additionally, capital procurement contracts for 503 proposals amounting to Rs 2.28 lakh crore have been signed so far in the current fiscal, marking the highest levels of approvals and contract signings in any financial year.
Army
- Air Defence Tracked System
- Armoured Piercing Tank Ammunition
- High Capacity Radio Relay
- Dhanush Gun System
- Runway Independent Aerial Surveillance System
Air Force
- Medium Transport Aircraft (replacement for AN-32 and IL-76 fleet)
- S-400 Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile System
- Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft (RPSA)
- Overhaul of Su-30 aero engine aggregates
Coast Guard
- Heavy Duty Air Cushion Vehicles (hovercrafts)
