DAC approves defense procurement proposals worth ₹1.10 crore; 98% will come from Indian industry

Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. File | Photo credit: ANI

The Defense Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, on Monday (September 7, 2026) approved the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for a number of acquisition proposals for the armed forces estimated at ₹ 1.10 crore, with around 98% of purchases planned to come from India.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the DAC has approved the purchase of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Reconnaissance Vehicles, High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs), Self Propelled Mechanical Mine Layers (MMLs), Advanced Light Helicopters (ALHs), Towed Tanks and Sarvatra Bridge System for the Army.

CBRN reconnaissance vehicles will be able to detect, identify, monitor and mark areas contaminated with chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear agents. HMVs are expected to enhance operational mobility and logistical support in difficult terrain, while MMLs will provide a faster and more responsive mine-laying capability during operations.

ALHs will be used by the Army and Air Force for complex missions across various terrains and operational situations. Towed tanks and the Sarvatra Bridge System will provide a composite transition capability to combatant formations during operations in various terrains.

Domestic defense industry in favor

For the Navy, DAC awarded AoN for the procurement of Arudhra radars and the design, development and subsequent procurement of Marine Gas Turbines (MGT).

The Arudhra radars will replace the existing air route tracking radars at various naval air stations. Domestic development of MGTs, which are key to powering warships, is expected to reduce dependence on foreign vendors.

In the case of the air force, the Council approved several proposals aimed at strengthening the combat capabilities of its fighters, transport aircraft and helicopters.

The DAC also approved the procurement of Ground Multi-Purpose Jammers (GBMPJ) which will provide an effective jamming capability against enemy radars. Approval has also been granted for the installation of the Defense Force Secure Access Card (DEFSAC) system, which will replace existing paper ID cards, passes and permits with interoperable Radio Frequency Identification (RFI) based chip cards.

The latest approvals highlight the government’s continued emphasis on strengthening military capabilities while pushing for defense indigenization, with almost the entire value of approved acquisitions going to the domestic defense industry.

Published – 07 Sep 2026 19:35 IST