The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for several defence procurement proposals on 7 September 2026.
DAC Approves Defence Acquisition Proposals Worth Around ₹1.10 Lakh Crore
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for several defence procurement proposals on 7 September 2026.
The proposals have an estimated combined value of approximately ₹1.10 lakh crore. The AoN represents in-principle administrative approval for moving forward with the acquisition process.
A major highlight of the approvals is the strong emphasis on domestic defence manufacturing. Around 98% of the total procurement value is expected to be sourced from Indian industry.
Indian Army
For the Indian Army, the DAC approved proposals covering several systems aimed at improving mobility, survivability and operational effectiveness. These include:
- Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Reconnaissance Vehicles
- High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs)
- Self-Propelled Mechanical Mine Layers (MMLs)
- Advanced Light Helicopters (ALHs)
- Trawl Tanks
- Sarvatra Bridge Systems
The CBRN reconnaissance vehicles will be used to detect, identify, monitor and mark areas affected by hazardous CBRN agents.
The High Mobility Vehicles are intended to improve transportation, logistics and mobility, particularly in difficult terrain. Meanwhile, the Self-Propelled Mechanical Mine Layers will provide rapid and responsive mine-laying capability.
The proposed Advanced Light Helicopters will support complex missions across different terrains and operational conditions for the Army and Air Force.
Trawl Tanks and Sarvatra Bridge Systems will help combat formations establish crossings across challenging terrain during military operations.
Indian Navy to Receive Advanced Radars and Indigenous Marine Gas Turbines
For the Indian Navy, the DAC granted AoN for the acquisition of Arudhra Radars and for the design, development and subsequent procurement of Marine Gas Turbines (MGTs).
The Arudhra Radar is intended to replace existing Air Route Surveillance Radars deployed at various Naval Air Stations.
Marine Gas Turbines are important components of warship propulsion systems. Their indigenous development and procurement are expected to reduce the Navy’s dependence on foreign suppliers.
This move also supports India’s broader objective of strengthening domestic defence technology and reducing reliance on imported critical systems.
Indian Air Force to Strengthen Electronic Warfare and Security Systems
Several proposals were also cleared for the Indian Air Force (IAF) to enhance the operational capabilities of its fighter aircraft, transport aircraft and helicopters.
The DAC also approved procurement of the Ground-Based Multi-Purpose Jammer (GBMPJ).
The GBMPJ is designed to provide effective electronic jamming against adversary radar systems, thereby strengthening the electronic warfare capabilities of the armed forces.
Another important approval involves the Defence Forces Secure Access Card (DEFSAC) System.
The DEFSAC system is planned to replace traditional paper-based identity cards, passes and permits with an interoperable Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-based smart-card system.
