Defence Acquisition Council approves Rs 2.4 lakh crore procurement for S-400 missiles, transport aircraft, and indigenous Bofors systems The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved a range of procurement proposals worth approximately Rs 2.38 lakh crore. The decisions include additional units of the Russian S-400 long-range surface-to-air missile system, medium transport aircraft, and indigenous 155mm Dhanush howitzers. These approvals aim to bolster India’s military capabilities and modernize its armed forces. The S-400 ‘Sudarshan’ system, which played a critical role in neutralizing Pakistani missiles during last year’s conflict, has received approval for further procurement. This comes as Indian Air Force (IAF) teams are currently in Russia to receive the fourth squadron under an earlier contract for five such systems. The fourth unit is expected to arrive by May, with the fifth squadron slated for December. The system’s ability to engage enemy aircraft at unprecedented ranges has been a key factor in its strategic importance. The DAC also approved the procurement of 60 medium transport aircraft to replace the aging AN-32 and IL-76 fleets used by the IAF. Brazilian firm Embraer, American company Lockheed Martin, and Russian manufacturer Ilyushin are among the contenders for this contract. The new aircraft will enhance the military’s strategic, tactical, and operational airlift capabilities. For the Army, the council cleared approvals for air defence tracked systems, armoured piercing tank ammunition, high-capacity radio relays, runway-independent aerial surveillance systems, and the 155mm Dhanush howitzers. Reports suggest India may acquire Russian Pantsir-S1 systems to protect its S-400 assets from low-flying threats and drones.#indian_air_force #rajnath_singh #defence_acquisition_council #s_400_sudarshan #embraer
Defence Acquisition Council approves proposals worth ₹2.38 lakh crore The Defence Acquisition Council, led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved capital acquisition proposals totaling ₹2.38 lakh crore on March 27, 2026, enhancing India’s combat, surveillance, and mobility capabilities across the armed forces. The decision marks a significant step in modernizing India’s military infrastructure, with approvals covering a wide range of systems for the Indian Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard. For the Indian Army, the approvals include air defence tracked systems, armoured piercing tank ammunition, high-capacity radio relay systems, the Dhanush gun system, and runway-independent aerial surveillance systems. These acquisitions aim to strengthen real-time air defence control, improve secure communication networks, boost long-range artillery firepower, and enhance battlefield surveillance and anti-tank capabilities. The Indian Air Force received clearance for the procurement of medium transport aircraft, the S-400 long-range surface-to-air missile system, remotely piloted strike aircraft, and the overhaul of Su-30 aero engine components. The new transport aircraft will replace aging AN-32 and IL-76 fleets, significantly improving strategic and tactical airlift capabilities. The S-400 system is expected to bolster air defence, while remotely piloted platforms will support precision strike operations and advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. Engine overhauls will extend the operational lifespan of the Su-30 fleet. The Indian Coast Guard was granted approval for heavy-duty air cushion vehicles to support high-speed coastal patrolling, reconnaissance, search and rescue, and logistics operations.#indian_army #indian_air_force #rajnath_singh #defence_acquisition_council #indian_coast_guard
