India Approves $5.46 Billion Military Procurement to Strengthen Defence Capabilities
NEW DELHI: India has approved the acquisition of military equipment worth $5.46 billion (approximately INR 520 billion) to enhance the capabilities of its armed forces, the government announced on Friday.
The procurement package received in-principle approval from the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the country’s highest defence procurement body, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and comprising senior military officials.
According to the government, the package includes a wide range of advanced military systems designed to strengthen India’s land, air, and maritime defence capabilities.
Among the approved acquisitions are anti-drone systems, electronic warfare equipment, medium-range surface-to-air missiles, portable anti-tank missiles, and jet-powered kamikaze drone systems for the Indian Army.
The Indian Navy will receive new naval mines, shipborne drones, and an advanced testing facility aimed at improving maritime surveillance and strengthening coastal defence operations.
For the Indian Air Force, the council approved the procurement of a high-altitude unmanned aircraft platform intended for intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, and remote sensing missions.
The government did not specify when the purchases would be completed or whether the equipment would be imported or manufactured domestically.
Focus on Defence Modernisation
India has increasingly sought to diversify its defence procurement over the past decade, reducing its reliance on Russia, traditionally its largest arms supplier. New Delhi has expanded defence partnerships with countries such as the United States and France while simultaneously promoting domestic defence manufacturing under its self-reliance initiatives.
The country’s current defence budget stands at approximately $85 billion, reflecting its continued investment in military modernization.
The latest procurement follows India’s broader efforts to upgrade its armed forces after recent regional security challenges and to strengthen preparedness across multiple operational domains.
India has also accelerated the modernization of its navy amid growing strategic competition in the Indian Ocean, where China has expanded its maritime presence.
In December, New Delhi initiated plans to procure at least 75 ships and submarines, with most expected to be built domestically.
Earlier this year, Indian authorities also approved defence acquisitions worth approximately $39 billion, including the purchase of Rafale fighter jets from France.
The newly approved procurement package is expected to further enhance India’s surveillance, air defence, electronic warfare, and maritime security capabilities.
