India Approves ₹2.12 Trillion Defence Procurement with Focus on Indigenous Industry

The Ministry of Defence has granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) approvals totaling ₹2.12 trillion for the Indian armed forces. This significant move, announced on Monday, covers procurement proposals for the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with an emphasis on sourcing nearly 82 percent of the equipment from Indian manufacturers.

These approvals, sanctioned by the Defence Acquisition Council, represent an initial nod to proposed purchases but do not yet constitute finalized contracts. The procurement plans span a broad spectrum of defence technology and equipment intended to enhance the operational capabilities of all three services.

For the Indian Army, the cleared proposals include high-mobility vehicles designed to improve logistics and maneuverability across challenging terrain. The Army will also receive a self-propelled tracked gun system aimed at bolstering the firepower of armoured regiments, alongside a gunshot detection and response system that provides real-time situational awareness on the battlefield.

Additional Army acquisitions approved comprise light multi-role helicopters (LMRH) intended for reconnaissance, combat missions, troop search and rescue, as well as humanitarian and disaster relief operations. The LMRH will also be used by the Indian Air Force, highlighting cross-service utility. The Army's air defence capabilities are set to be enhanced with very short-range air defence systems (VSHORADS), capable of countering aerial threats within an eight-kilometre radius.

The procurement list further includes advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These cover surveillance drones, long-range kamikaze drones designed to neutralize targets by impact, and systems that combine surveillance with strike functions. A platform-based counter-unmanned aerial system has also been approved to protect tanks and other assets against drone threats, reflecting the increasing importance of drone warfare.

Turning to the Navy, the Defence Ministry has authorized acquisitions including an active offboard decoy system (AODS). This technology aims to strengthen naval vessels’ defenses against incoming anti-ship missiles, enhancing survivability in hostile environments. The Navy will also benefit from new indigenously designed and constructed naval platforms, which promise to augment the fleet’s combat readiness and operational scope.

For the Indian Air Force, the approvals cover helicopters and air defence systems aimed at improving air mobility and protection. Another notable addition is a mobile X-band Doppler weather radar system. This equipment will provide precise, localized weather information in forward areas, supporting better operational planning and safety for air operations.

Alongside the procurement announcements, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the need for a renewed push towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing, referring to it as "Aatmanirbharta 2.0." Speaking at the Indian Navy’s annual Swavlamban seminar on innovation and indigenisation, he called for advancing technology development, enhancing research capabilities, and building resilient supply chains to reduce dependence on foreign imports.

This initiative builds upon the foundation established by the Make in India campaign, launched a decade ago. The campaign has been pivotal in encouraging domestic production across multiple sectors, including defence. The current approvals and ministerial remarks underscore the government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening India’s defence industrial base and modernizing the armed forces with locally sourced, cutting-edge technology.

Overall, these procurement decisions reflect India's strategic focus on enhancing military preparedness through modernization and indigenization. The drive to equip the armed forces with diverse, advanced systems from domestic suppliers aims to boost national security while supporting the growth of India's defence manufacturing sector.