The India Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved defence procurement proposals worth around ₹79,000 crore on Monday, December 29. This decision supports major upgrades for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as part of a larger effort to modernise the armed forces.
India approve the ₹79,000 Crore Defence Procurements
The approvals include overhauling T-90 tanks and upgrading Mi-17 helicopters. The council also approved the acquisition of medium-range surface-to-air missiles (MRSAM) for the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force (IAF). Chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the council cleared the procurement of loitering munitions.
Proposals to change the Request for Proposal (RFP) for acquiring aerial refuellers and Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft were also approved.
Additionally, the council cleared the acquisition of Astra Mark II air-to-air missiles, enhancing the IAF’s long-range aerial combat capability. These approvals also promote more domestic manufacturing of defence products. The meeting included senior defence and military leaders, such as the Chief of Defence Staff, the three service chiefs, the Defence Secretary, and the DRDO chief.
DAC meetings in 2025
The December 29 meeting marks the fourth confirmed meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council in 2025. This indicates a consistent focus on speeding up defence procurement.
Most recently, on October 23, 2025, the DAC approved defence procurement proposals totaling about ₹79,000 crore. The India Army received Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the Nag Missile System (Tracked) Mk-II, a Ground-Based Mobile Electronic Intelligence System, and High Mobility Vehicles.
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