India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved ten major procurement proposals worth approximately Rs 1.05 lakh crore to bolster military readiness through domestically designed and manufactured systems. The acquisitions include missiles, electronic warfare solutions, armoured recovery vehicles, and naval equipment, all sourced indigenously under the government’s “Buy Indian – IDDM” (Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category. The announcement comes as India’s defence production hits a record Rs 1.46 lakh crore, with exports also rising sharply to Rs 24,000 crore, marking a significant stride in the country’s ongoing quest for strategic autonomy and global competitiveness in defence manufacturing.
Indigenous Defence Procurement Gains Momentum
In a landmark move that reinforces India's strategic focus on self-reliance, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has given the green light to a series of defence procurement initiatives valued at approximately Rs 1.05 lakh crore. The decisions were taken under the leadership of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and mark a continuation of the government’s push for domestic defence production under the “Make in India” initiative.
These acquisitions fall under the "Acceptance of Necessity" (AoN) framework, which is the preliminary step before tenders and contracts are issued. Notably, all ten proposals have been approved under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, underscoring the government’s commitment to reducing dependence on foreign military imports.
A Breakdown of the Approved Proposals
The procurement list includes a variety of advanced systems aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces. Highlights include:
- Armoured Recovery Vehicles – Crucial for battlefield logistics and heavy equipment movement.
- Integrated Electronic Warfare Systems – To bolster electronic surveillance and countermeasure capabilities.
- Surface-to-Air Missiles – Providing robust air defence coverage.
- Integrated Common Inventory Management System for Tri-Services – Streamlining logistics and resource allocation.
- Moored Mines and Mine Counter Measure Vessels – Enhancing maritime security by deterring and neutralizing underwater threats.
- Submersible Autonomous Vessels and Super Rapid Gun Mounts – Boosting naval firepower and autonomous operational range.
Each of these components is designed to either replace aging equipment or introduce new capabilities into India's defence arsenal, with a strong focus on interoperability, efficiency, and modern warfare readiness.
Indigenous Production at an All-Time High
According to data shared by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, India’s indigenous defence manufacturing sector has reached an unprecedented milestone. The country’s total defence production surged to Rs 1.46 lakh crore in FY 2024–25, a substantial increase from Rs 43,000 crore a decade ago. The private sector contributed over Rs 32,000 crore to this total, showcasing the rising importance of non-state players in India’s strategic ecosystem.
Additionally, defence exports have also witnessed a remarkable transformation, rising from a modest Rs 600–700 crore ten years ago to over Rs 24,000 crore currently. India’s defence products now reach approximately 100 countries across the globe.
MSMEs: The Unsung Backbone of Defence Innovation
Over 16,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have integrated into India’s defence supply chain, playing a pivotal role in design, manufacturing, and innovation. Their contribution goes beyond enhancing self-reliance—they also provide employment to lakhs of people and foster a more distributed, resilient industrial ecosystem.
Minister Singh emphasized that these companies are not just suppliers but critical enablers of India's sovereignty, particularly through their participation in high-tech, precision-engineered components and sub-systems.
Strategic Projects and Private Sector Inclusion
One of the most significant announcements from the Defence Minister was regarding the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. For the first time, a mega defence aviation project will include collaboration between public sector undertakings and private entities. This joint execution model aims to leverage the technological capabilities and manufacturing efficiencies of the private sector, while aligning with national security imperatives.
The move is expected to create new benchmarks for public-private cooperation in defence and establish India as a global hub for next-generation combat aircraft production.
The Broader Strategic Context
India's emphasis on indigenization is not merely about economic efficiency or cost-saving—it is a calculated strategy aimed at achieving technological sovereignty in a volatile geopolitical landscape. With rising border tensions and an evolving threat matrix in the Indo-Pacific, developing an independent, resilient, and globally competitive defence industry is no longer a policy choice but a national imperative.
The integration of domestic design and manufacturing capabilities not only enhances operational autonomy but also secures critical supply chains from foreign vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The DAC’s approval of Rs 1.05 lakh crore in indigenous defence procurement signals a decisive step forward in India’s strategic transformation. With record-breaking production and export figures, growing MSME participation, and a more inclusive execution model for large-scale projects like the AMCA, India is rapidly carving a niche in the global defence landscape. While challenges remain—particularly in scaling complex manufacturing and ensuring interoperability—the direction is clear: self-reliance in defence is now both a policy cornerstone and a strategic necessity.
By aligning national security goals with industrial innovation and economic development, India is not just buying weapons—it is building the future of its strategic autonomy.
Comments