In a major boost to the defence sector of the country, Modi government on Friday approved military purchases worth ₹2.38 lakh crore, including additional S-400 Triumf missile systems, drones, transport aircraft, artillery guns and tank ammunition to strengthen the armed forces.
5 S-400 missile systems, strike drones cleared in ₹2.38 lakh crore defence boost for India
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The approvals were given by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The approval, known as Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), is the first step towards procurement, and its objective is to enhance India’s overall defence preparedness.
One of the major highlights is the approval to buy five more units of the S-400 air defence system, which is already deployed by the Indian Air Force (IAF). These systems are capable of detecting and destroying enemy aircraft, missiles and drones at long ranges.
The IAF had earlier ordered five units from Russia in 2018 for ₹39,000 crore, of which three are already deployed by the IAF, and the remaining are expected by the end of this year. With the new approval, the total number of S-400 systems would increase to 10. The S-400 missiles are also expected to play a major role in India’s proposed national air defence system under the Mission Sudarshan Chakra, which aims to protect key military and civilian areas from aerial threats by 2035.
The council also approved the acquisition of four squadrons of remotely piloted strike aircraft, also known as unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), for the Indian Air Force. The aircraft will allow the air force to carry out precision strikes and surveillance missions without risking pilots’ lives in danger.
DAC also approved the overhaul of Su-30 Aero engine Aggregates to increase the service life of the aircraft and fulfil the operational requirement of the Air Force. Also, the DAC approved the purchase of 60 medium transport aircraft, which will replace older aircraft such as the AN-32 and IL-76. These aircraft will improve the military’s ability to transport troops, equipment and supplies quickly across the country and in operational areas.
The companies competing for this tender include Lockheed Martin’s C-130J Super Hercules, Embraer’s KC-390, and Airbus Defence and Space’s A-400M. The tender will also help the government’s Make in India initiative, as it will be manufactured domestically.
For the Indian Army, the Defence Acquisition Council approved the Air Defence Tracked System, Armoured Piercing Tank Ammunition, High Capacity Radio Relay, Dhanush Gun System and Runway Independent Aerial Surveillance System.
The Air Defence Tracked System will provide real-time Air Defence Control and Reporting capability, while the High Capacity Radio Relay will provide reliable and fail-proof communication. The Dhanush Gun System will enhance the artillery’s capabilities to engage targets at longer ranges in all terrains with enhanced lethality and accuracy. The Runway Independent Aerial Surveillance System will provide surveillance capabilities to the Army units, with the Armoured Piercing Tank Ammunition enhancing the lethality of Anti-Tank ammunition.
For the Indian Coast Guard, AoN was accorded for Heavy Duty Air Cushion Vehicles. These vehicles will be used for multipurpose maritime coastal operational roles, including high-speed coastal patrolling, reconnaissance, search and rescue operations, rendering assistance to ships and carrying personnel and stores, including logistics.
Officials said recent conflicts, including the Ukraine and West Asia, and India’s own experience in Operation Sindoor last year, have shown the importance of strong air defence systems.
The government is also planning more major defence deals in the coming years, including the purchase of 114 Rafale fighter jets and advanced surveillance systems, as part of efforts to further strengthen the air force’s combat capabilities.
In the Financial Year 2025-26, AoN for 55 proposals amounting to Rs 6.73 lakh crore has been accorded by the DAC. Moreover, capital procurement contracts have been signed for 503 proposals amounting to Rs 2.28 lakh crore in the current fiscal year. Both the quantum of AoN given and capital contracts signed, so far, have been the highest in any given Financial Year, as per the Defence Ministry.
