The Indian government has approved the purchase of defence equipment worth ₹79,000 crore to boost the combat capabilities of the armed forces. The decision, taken on Thursday, includes the acquisition of Nag missiles, amphibious vessels, electronic intelligence and surveillance systems, and advanced ammunition. This marks the second major defence procurement decision this year after Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan in May following the Pahalgam terror attack. Earlier in August, military equipment worth ₹67,000 crore had been cleared.
The latest proposals were approved during a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The council approved a variety of projects aimed at strengthening the Navy, Army, and Air Force. Officials said the procurements are designed to enhance India’s ability to respond to both conventional and non-conventional threats while also improving readiness for humanitarian and peacekeeping missions.
Several projects were approved for the Navy, including the purchase of landing platform docks (LPDs), 30mm naval surface guns (NSGs), advanced lightweight torpedoes (ALWTs), electro-optical infrared search and track systems, and smart ammunition for 76mm super rapid guns.
The landing platform docks are amphibious vessels capable of transporting troops, vehicles, and heavy equipment, and will allow the Navy to conduct joint operations with the Army and Air Force. According to the Defence Ministry, LPDs will also enhance the Navy’s ability to carry out peacekeeping missions, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief operations.
The ALWTs, developed indigenously by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory under DRDO, can target conventional, nuclear, and midget submarines, significantly enhancing the Navy’s anti-submarine capabilities. The 30mm NSGs will improve the Navy and Coast Guard’s ability to conduct low-intensity maritime operations and anti-piracy missions. These systems are expected to strengthen India’s coastal security and ensure readiness against maritime threats.
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For the Army, the DAC approved the procurement of Nag tracked missile systems Mk-II (NAMIS), ground-based mobile electronic intelligence systems (ELINT), and high mobility vehicles (HMVs).
The NAMIS systems are capable of neutralizing enemy combat vehicles, bunkers, and field fortifications. This will significantly increase the Army’s firepower and precision strike capabilities. The ground-based ELINT systems will provide round-the-clock electronic intelligence, allowing the Army to monitor enemy movements and communications continuously.
High mobility vehicles will improve logistical support for troops across different terrains, ensuring faster deployment and supply in remote and challenging areas. These vehicles are crucial for maintaining operational readiness in border regions and during field operations.
For the Air Force, the DAC approved the procurement of collaborative long-range target saturation and destruction systems (CLRTS/DS). These systems have autonomous capabilities, including takeoff, landing, navigation, payload detection, and delivery. The CLRTS/DS will enhance the Air Force’s precision strike capabilities and provide greater flexibility in executing long-range missions.
The ₹79,000 crore procurement package reflects the government’s emphasis on modernizing India’s armed forces and strengthening their combat readiness. Officials said the acquisitions are aimed at creating integrated defence capabilities, ensuring that the Navy, Army, and Air Force can operate effectively in all domains – land, air, and sea.
The Defence Ministry highlighted that the combined effect of these acquisitions will be a significant boost to India’s deterrence capability. The new weapons and systems will allow the military to respond more effectively to both conventional threats from neighboring countries and unconventional threats like terrorism and sabotage.
The move also reflects India’s focus on indigenous development, as several systems like the ALWTs and Nag missiles have been developed domestically. By investing in homegrown technology, the country aims to reduce dependency on imports while promoting the defence manufacturing sector.
Officials said the upgraded weapons systems will also enhance India’s ability to participate in international peacekeeping and humanitarian missions. The amphibious vessels and surveillance systems, for example, will allow rapid deployment in disaster-affected areas or conflict zones, providing logistical and operational support to civilian populations when needed.
Following the approval by the DAC, the defence ministry will now begin procurement contracts and production processes. Defence officials said the projects will be implemented in phases to ensure timely delivery and operational integration. The acquisitions are expected to be completed over the next few years, with priority given to systems that address immediate security needs.
Experts said the procurement package would strengthen India’s defence posture and enhance its ability to respond swiftly to emerging threats. The combination of advanced missiles, naval systems, and electronic intelligence equipment is expected to make the armed forces more capable, mobile, and versatile.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized that the government’s focus is on creating a modern, well-equipped, and technologically advanced military. “These procurements will ensure that our armed forces are prepared to defend the country and safeguard national interests,” he said.
With this ₹79,000 crore decision, India continues its efforts to modernize its defence infrastructure while maintaining readiness for various security challenges, both at the borders and in strategic operational areas across the country and the region.
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