The Defence Acquisition Council approved missiles, kamikaze drones and electronic warfare systems as India works to reduce its reliance on Russian defence equipment.
India has approved a new ₹520 billion ($6.3 billion) defence acquisition package aimed at strengthening the capabilities of the Army, Navy, and Air Force as the country accelerates its military modernisation programme.
The proposal received in-principle approval from the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the Ministry of Defence’s highest body responsible for approving major military procurements. The council is chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and includes the country’s senior military leadership.
The acquisition forms part of India’s broader strategy to enhance national security, improve border preparedness, and reduce dependence on imported military equipment.
Wide Range of Advanced Military Equipment
The approved package includes several advanced defence systems designed to improve combat readiness across all three armed services.
For the Indian Army, the acquisitions include:
- Medium-range surface-to-air missile systems.
- Portable anti-tank guided missiles.
- Anti-drone systems.
- Electronic warfare equipment.
- Jet-based Kamikaze Drone Systems designed for precision strikes against enemy targets.
These systems are intended to strengthen battlefield surveillance, air defence, and precision attack capabilities.
Navy to Strengthen Maritime Security
The Indian Navy will receive new capabilities focused on maritime surveillance and underwater defence.
The approved acquisitions include:
- Advanced naval mines.
- Shipborne unmanned aerial systems (drones).
- A dedicated testing facility to improve maritime defence technologies.
The investment supports India’s growing focus on securing the Indian Ocean Region, where strategic competition has intensified in recent years.
The Navy is also continuing its long-term expansion programme, which includes plans announced in December to procure at least 75 new ships and submarines, with most expected to be built domestically.
Air Force to Receive High-Altitude Surveillance Platform
The Indian Air Force will acquire a new high-altitude unmanned aircraft platform.
The system will primarily be used for:
- Intelligence gathering.
- Remote sensing.
- Long-range surveillance.
- Monitoring strategic areas.
Such platforms are expected to enhance India’s situational awareness along sensitive borders and improve real-time intelligence capabilities.
Push for Self-Reliance in Defence
However, the government has not yet confirmed whether it will import the newly approved systems or manufacture them locally. Even so, the procurement supports India’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) initiative.
Over the past decade, India has steadily reduced its dependence on Russia for defence equipment. Instead, it has expanded defence partnerships with countries such as the United States and France while also strengthening domestic defence manufacturing.
Meanwhile, the government has increased investment in indigenous missiles, naval platforms, drones, artillery systems, and aerospace technologies through the “Make in India” programme. As a result, India’s defence industry has become more self-reliant and better equipped to meet the country’s evolving security needs.
Modernisation Driven by Changing Security Environment
India’s defence spending has continued to rise in response to evolving regional security challenges.
The country’s current annual defence budget stands at approximately $85 billion, making it one of the world’s largest military spenders.
Military planners have accelerated modernisation efforts following the four-day conflict with Pakistan in 2025, which highlighted the importance of advanced surveillance, drone warfare, air defence, and electronic warfare capabilities.
At the same time, India continues to strengthen its naval presence in the Indian Ocean amid China’s expanding maritime footprint across the region.
Recent Defence Procurement Momentum
The latest approval builds on several major defence decisions the Indian government has made this year.
In 2026, the government approved defence acquisitions worth about $39 billion, including additional Rafale fighter aircraft from France and other strategic military systems.
With the newly approved $6.3 billion package, India continues to strengthen its domestic defence capabilities, improve military readiness, and equip its armed forces to address future security challenges across land, sea, air, and emerging domains such as drones and electronic warfare.
Source: Gulf News
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