DAC’s Year-End Gift To Armed Forces: Loiter Munitions To Anti-Drone Tech, Defence Buys Worth Rs 79,000 Crore

In a major year-end gift to the Indian Armed Forces which reinforces the government’s push for Make in India and Aatmanirbharta in the defence sector, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has given its green signal to significant procurement proposals totaling approximately Rs 79,000 crore.

Chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the DAC on Monday (December 29, 2025) accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisition proposals for the three armed services. Set for major capacity boost, Indian Army, Navy and Air Force are set to get several equipment including missiles, drones, loiter munitions, among others.

The approvals are part of the Centre’s sustained effort to modernise the armed forces while sharply reducing dependence on imported platforms and systems.

Army modernisation: Precision firepower and drone defence

For the Indian Army, the DAC cleared several key proposals aimed at boosting battlefield lethality and counter-drone capabilities. These include procurement of loiter munition systems for artillery regiments, low level light weight radars, long range guided rocket ammunition for the indigenous Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MRLS), integrated drone detection & interdiction system (IDD&IS) Mk-II.

Loiter munitions will provide the Army with precision strike capability against tactical targets, reflecting lessons from recent global conflicts where drones and precision weapons have reshaped warfare.

Low Level Light Weight Radars will strengthen the Army’s ability to detect and track small, low-flying unmanned aerial systems, while the extended-range guided rockets will significantly enhance the reach and accuracy of the Pinaka MRLS against high-value targets.

The upgraded IDD&IS Mk-II, with enhanced detection and neutralisation range, will protect critical military assets in both tactical battle areas and hinterland zones.

For Navy: Indigenous support platforms and maritime surveillance

For the Indian Navy, AoN was accorded for procurement of Bollard Pull (BP) Tugs, High Frequency Software Defined Radios (HF SDR) Manpack and for leasing High Altitude Long Range (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS).

The induction of BP Tugs will enhance indigenous harbour support capabilities, assisting naval ships and submarines during berthing, unberthing and manoeuvres in confined waters.

The HF SDR Manpack will enable secure long-range communications during critical boarding and landing operations, while HALE RPAS will provide persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), strengthening maritime domain awareness across the Indian Ocean Region — a key strategic theatre for India.

Air Force upgrades: Missiles, simulators and precision strike

The Indian Air Force received AoN for a range of systems focused on air combat dominance, pilot safety and training efficiency. These include Automatic Take-off and Landing Recording System, Astra Mk-II Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missiles, Full Mission Simulator for LCA Tejas, SPICE-1000 Long Range Guidance Kits.

The Automatic Take-off and Landing Recording System will enhance aerospace safety by enabling high-definition, all-weather recording of critical flight phases.

Astra Mk-II missiles, with enhanced engagement range, will significantly boost the IAF’s ability to neutralise adversary aircraft from long standoff distances. The Full Mission Simulator for Tejas will strengthen pilot training in a cost-effective and risk-free environment, while SPICE-1000 kits will sharpen the IAF’s long-range precision strike capability.

Make in India at the core of defence procurement

Officials underlined that the approvals align with the government’s long-term roadmap to prioritise indigenous design, development and manufacturing. Over recent years, the DAC has increasingly favoured domestic procurement routes, supporting Indian defence firms, startups and public sector units.