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
