Defence Acquisition Council Greenlights Major Military Procurement
The Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved significant military procurement plans amounting to approximately Rs 3.60 lakh crore on February 12, 2026. This extensive package includes upgraded capabilities across all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces, focusing on enhancing operational readiness and self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Indian Air Force Boosts Strike Capabilities
For the Indian Air Force (IAF), the council has given the green light for the acquisition of Multi Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA), alongside advanced combat missiles and Air-Ship Based High Altitude Pseudo Satellites (AS-HAPS). The procurement of MRFA, primarily the Rafale jets, is expected to significantly strengthen the IAF’s air dominance and deterrence capabilities, particularly with their long-range offensive strike capabilities.
Notably, the majority of these MRFA are set to be manufactured within India, marking a significant step toward self-sufficiency in military aviation. The new combat missiles will enhance the IAF’s ability to conduct deep strikes with high precision. Meanwhile, AS-HAPS will facilitate ongoing intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic intelligence operations, along with telecommunications and remote sensing tasks.
Indian Army Enhances Combat Readiness
The Indian Army will also benefit from the newly approved procurement plans, specifically targeting Anti-Tank Mines (Vibhav) and the overhaul of armored recovery vehicles, T-72 tanks, and BMP-II infantry combat vehicles. The Vibhav mines are designed to serve as obstacles, delaying enemy mechanized advancements, which is crucial for battlefield tactics.
Furthermore, the updating of vehicle platforms for ARVs, T-72 tanks, and BMP-II will extend their service life, thus boosting the operational effectiveness and readiness of the Army’s ground forces.
Indian Navy and Coast Guard Upgrades
In a move to enhance naval power, the Indian Navy has received AoN for a 04 MW Marine Gas Turbine-based Electric Power Generator and P8I Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft. The introduction of the gas turbine generators aims to reduce dependency on foreign manufacturers, promoting self-reliance in the Navy’s power generation needs. Additionally, the P8I aircraft will enhance the Navy’s capabilities in long-range anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance, and strike operations.
The Indian Coast Guard is set to receive an upgrade as well, with approval for the procurement of an Electro-Optical/Infra-Red system for Dornier aircraft. This addition will significantly improve the Coast Guard’s maritime surveillance capabilities, further securing India’s coastal borders.
Overall, the recent approvals by the Defence Acquisition Council underline the government’s commitment to strengthening India’s defence capabilities, ensuring readiness against potential threats while promoting indigenous defense production.
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