India has cleared several high-value military procurement proposals worth approximately 670 billion Indian rupees ($7.6 billion) to enhance the capabilities of its land, sea, and air defense.
Granted by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on August 5, the approvals are part of New Delhi’s continuing effort to modernize its joint force and boost self-reliance in producing and adopting military capabilities.
The move comes after the South Asian country proposed a record defense budget of $78 billion last February for fiscal year 2025-26, marking a 9.5 percent increase over the previous year.
Thermal Night Sights for the Army’s BMP Fleet
DAC approved the procurement of thermal imager-based night sights for the Indian Army’s Soviet-made BMP infantry fighting vehicles.
The upgrade will improve the vehicles’ night-driving capabilities, enhancing mobility and giving mechanized combat units a tactical advantage during low-visibility operations.
Autonomous Boats, Missile Upgrades in Navy
For the Indian Navy, approvals include Compact Autonomous Surface Craft to support anti-submarine warfare operations by detecting, classifying, and neutralizing underwater threats.
The navy will also receive new BrahMos fire control systems and launchers, along with an upgrade to its Israeli-designed Barak-1 air defense system.
High-Altitude Radars, Integrated Defenses for Air Force
The council also approved the procurement of mountain radars for the Indian Air Force to strengthen air surveillance in high-altitude border regions.
It further cleared modernization projects for the SAKSHAM/SPYDER short- and medium-range air defense system, which will be integrated with the service’s unified command and control network to improve readiness and air defense coverage.
Tri-Service: Combat Drones, Sustainment
The DAC also approved the acquisition of Medium Altitude Long Endurance remotely piloted aircraft for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Built for long-range, extended-duration missions, the armed drones can carry multiple payloads, including precision-guided munitions, and are expected to enhance persistent surveillance and combat readiness across all domains.
In addition, the council approved support measures for key strategic systems, including maintenance for the Air Force’s C-17 Globemaster III and C-130J Super Hercules military transport aircraft fleets, and a comprehensive annual maintenance contract for the Russian-developed S-400 mobile missile system.
