Defence Ministry Approves ₹79,000 Crore Modernisation Plan for Army, Navy and Air Force

In a strategic move to enhance operational readiness across its armed forces, India's Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved military hardware procurements worth Rs 79,000 crore on Thursday. The decisions, spanning the Army, Navy, and Air Force, focus on indigenous systems and multi-role platforms, aligning with the government's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing. This infusion comes amid escalating border tensions and evolving maritime threats in the Indo-Pacific, where integrated joint operations are increasingly vital for national security.

For the Army, the DAC granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the Mk-II Nag Missile System on Tracks (NAMIS), a tracked variant designed to neutralise enemy armoured vehicles, bunkers, and fortifications with precision-guided anti-tank missiles. Complementing this are Ground-Based Mobile Electronic Intelligence Systems (GBMES), which enable round-the-clock surveillance of adversarial radar and communication emitters, providing real-time tactical intelligence in dynamic battlefields. Additionally, high-mobility vehicles equipped with cranes were cleared to streamline logistics in rugged terrains, from high-altitude borders to desert frontiers. These acquisitions address critical gaps exposed in recent exercises and skirmishes, such as along the Line of Actual Control with China, where rapid mobility and electronic warfare capabilities have proven decisive. The Army's modernisation, already underway through programmes like the Future Ready Combat Vehicle, gains momentum with these approvals, potentially creating thousands of jobs in domestic production hubs like Hyderabad and Pune.

The Navy's allocations emphasise amphibious and anti-submarine warfare, including two Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) capable of deploying troops, vehicles, and helicopters for joint operations with the Army and Air Force. These versatile vessels will also support humanitarian missions, disaster relief, and peacekeeping—echoing the Navy's role in Operation Rahat during the 2015 Yemen crisis. Other key items include 30 mm naval surface guns for close-quarters maritime interdiction and anti-piracy patrols, alongside advanced lightweight torpedoes developed indigenously by DRDO's Naval Science and Technological Laboratory. These torpedoes target diverse submarine threats, from conventional to nuclear-powered ones, enhancing underwater deterrence in the Indian Ocean Region. Smart ammunition for 76 mm super rapid gun mounts and electro-optical infrared search-and-track systems further upgrade sensor fusion for night operations. With the Navy's fleet expansion under the Maritime Capability Perspective Plan, these procurements counter China's growing naval footprint, ensuring blue-water projection.

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While Air Force specifics were not detailed in the release, the holistic approvals underscore a balanced triad approach, with over 70% of contracts earmarked for Indian vendors to foster innovation and reduce import dependency. Defence experts hail the DAC's efficiency—clearing proposals in under six months—as a shift from bureaucratic delays that once plagued acquisitions. However, challenges persist, including technology transfer hurdles and timely delivery amid global supply chain disruptions. As India eyes a $130 billion defence budget by 2030, these investments signal proactive deterrence, potentially deterring aggression while boosting exports through platforms like NAMIS. Stakeholders anticipate follow-on contracts via competitive bidding, injecting vitality into the sector as the nation navigates a volatile geopolitical landscape.

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