Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: In a major push for defence acquisition, the Rajnath Singh-led Defence Acquisition Council on Friday granted approvals to various proposals worth around Rs 2.38 lakh crore, including for additional units of the Russian-made S-400 long-range surface-to-air missile system and 155mm Dhanush — howitzer — gun systems.“The decisions taken in the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) will help in further strengthening India’s defence preparedness. It’s heartwarming to note that in the financial year 2025-26, AoN for 55 proposals, amounting to Rs 6.73 lakh crore, has been accorded by DAC. Moreover, capital procurement contracts have been signed for 503 proposals amounting to Rs 2.28 lakh crore in the current fiscal year. This is the highest number in any given financial year,” Rajnath said in a post on X.The approval for additional S-400 ‘Sudarshan’ systems, which had helped neutralise Pakistani missiles during last year’s conflict in May and had also to its credit the world’s longest-range kill of an enemy aircraft, has come at a time when IAF teams are in Russia to receive the fourth squadron under the earlier contract for five such systems.The fourth system is likely to arrive by May while the fifth squadron is expected by Dec.Another big approval is the nod for procurement of medium transport aircraft, most probably 60 of them, to replace IAF’s ageing transport fleet AN32 and IL-76 that help the force meet strategic, tactical and operational airlift requirements of the military. Brazilian firm Embraer, American company Lockheed Martin and Russian manufacturer Ilyushin are the main contenders vying for the mega contract.For the Army, the defence council has given approval for air defence tracked systems, armoured piercing tank ammunition, high-capacity radio relay, runway independent aerial surveillance system and 155mm Dhanush gun systems. For air defence tracked systems, reports indicate India could acquire Russian Pantsir-S1 systems to protect India’s S-400 assets from low-flying threats and drones.“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,” a statement from the defence ministry said. The runway independent aerial surveillance system will provide surveillance capabilities to Army units, with armoured piercing tank ammunition enhancing lethality of anti-tank ammunition.The 155mm Dhanush howitzers, which have been deployed along the borders with Pakistan and China, will enhance the artillery’s capabilities to engage targets at longer ranges in all terrains with enhanced lethality and accuracy. The desi guns, whose design is based on the Bofors howitzers, have already been inducted into the Army, as 114 guns were ordered a few years ago.For the IAF, the DAC has approved remotely piloted strike aircraft and overhaul of Su-30 aero engine aggregates to increase the service life of IAF’s mainstay combat aircraft. Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft will enable undertaking offensive counter and coordinated air operations and provide stealth intelligence, surveillance and recognition activities.For the Indian Coast Guard, DAC accorded AoN 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.
