DRDO’s Namica.
India’s Defence Acquisition Council Clears Defence Procurement Worth $9.5 Billion (Rs 79,000 crore): New Delhi, October 23, 2025 — In a significant move to modernise and enhance India’s military capabilities, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved proposals worth approximately ₹79,000 crore (USD 9.5 billion) for the procurement of cutting-edge defence equipment for the Indian Armed Forces. The clearance, granted on October 23, 2025, comes at a time when India is intensifying efforts to strengthen its strategic and operational readiness in the face of evolving security challenges.
The newly approved acquisitions span all three branches of India’s Armed Forces—the Army, Navy, and Air Force—with a diverse range of high-tech equipment aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness, mobility, and intelligence capabilities.
Indian Army: Bolstering Ground and Tactical Capabilities
For the Indian Army, the DAC gave its nod to the procurement of several critical systems that will enhance the force’s ability to operate across diverse terrains and respond to combat situations with greater precision.
Nag Missile System (Tracked) Mk-II (NAMIS)
The Army’s primary acquisition involves the Nag Missile System (Tracked) Mk-II, which is designed to neutralise enemy combat vehicles, bunkers, and other field fortifications. The system will significantly improve the Army’s firepower and tactical response, especially in challenging terrains such as mountainous and border regions. With the increasing need for anti-tank guided missile systems, NAMIS will provide enhanced standoff capabilities to the Army.
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Ground Based Mobile ELINT System (GBMES)
In line with the growing importance of intelligence gathering, the Ground Based Mobile ELINT System (GBMES) will be procured to provide round-the-clock Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) of enemy emitters. The system will enable the Army to track enemy communications and radar systems, providing real-time intelligence and improving situational awareness for decision-makers.
High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs)
Additionally, the Army will receive High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs) equipped with Material Handling Cranes. These vehicles are designed to significantly enhance logistics support, particularly in difficult and inaccessible terrains. Their induction will increase operational flexibility, allowing for swift troop movement and the efficient handling of heavy equipment in various geographical conditions.
Together, these acquisitions are expected to dramatically improve the Indian Army’s ability to execute multi-domain operations across varied terrains, reinforcing the nation’s defence capabilities at a time of heightened regional tensions.
Indian Navy’s Landing Ship. (Representational Photo).
Indian Navy: Expanding Amphibious and Maritime Operational Capabilities
For the Indian Navy, the DAC’s approval includes proposals that will not only strengthen amphibious operations but also enhance maritime surveillance and firepower.
Landing Platform Docks (LPDs)
The Navy will acquire Landing Platform Docks (LPDs), a vital asset for amphibious warfare operations. These vessels will provide integrated sea and landing capabilities, facilitating joint operations with the Indian Army and Air Force. The LPDs will also be instrumental in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions, as well as peacekeeping operations. With the increasing importance of maritime security and regional cooperation, LPDs will enable the Navy to project power beyond India’s shores.
30mm Naval Surface Gun (NSG)
A 30mm Naval Surface Gun (NSG) will be inducted to bolster the Navy’s and the Indian Coast Guard’s ability to carry out low-intensity maritime operations and counter piracy. This advanced weapon system is designed for anti-piracy, counter-terrorism, and coastal defence roles, thus enhancing the overall security of India’s extensive maritime borders.
Advanced Light Weight Torpedoes (ALWT)
The Advanced Light Weight Torpedoes (ALWT), indigenously developed by the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), will significantly strengthen the Navy’s capability to detect and neutralise enemy submarines—whether conventional, nuclear, or midget. These torpedoes, which can be launched from various platforms, will give the Navy a tactical advantage in undersea warfare.
Electro Optical Infra-Red Search and Track System
The Electro Optical Infra-Red Search and Track System will enhance the Navy’s ability to detect, track, and engage targets in low-visibility conditions. This system will complement existing radar systems and provide enhanced target acquisition, especially in scenarios where conventional radar may be less effective due to electronic warfare or environmental factors.
Smart Ammunition for 76mm Super Rapid Gun Mount
The procurement of Smart Ammunition for the 76mm Super Rapid Gun Mount will improve the Navy’s capabilities in surface warfare. The smart rounds are designed for precision targeting, thereby improving the effectiveness of the 76mm gun mount in various combat situations.
LCA Tejas on INS Vikramaditya.
Indian Air Force: Strengthening Targeting and Precision Strike Capabilities
The Indian Air Force (IAF), known for its technological edge in air superiority and precision strike capabilities, will also see the induction of state-of-the-art systems, aimed at enhancing its ability to saturate targets and deliver devastating blows to enemy forces.
Collaborative Long Range Target Saturation/Destruction System (CLRTS/DS)
A major acquisition for the IAF is the Collaborative Long Range Target Saturation/Destruction System (CLRTS/DS). This advanced system is capable of autonomously performing take-off, landing, navigation, detection, and payload delivery within a designated mission area. The system is expected to enhance the Air Force’s precision strike capabilities, particularly in target saturation scenarios, where multiple targets need to be neutralised in quick succession. The addition of CLRTS/DS to the IAF’s arsenal will further bolster India’s airstrike capability, providing a flexible and robust platform for both offensive and defensive operations.
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Strategic Significance
The total procurement package, valued at ₹79,000 crore (USD 9.5 billion), represents a crucial step towards modernising India’s armed forces and preparing them for a more dynamic and unpredictable security environment. These acquisitions reflect the government’s commitment to achieving self-reliance in defence, with an increasing focus on indigenisation. Several of the systems, such as the Advanced Light Weight Torpedoes and Smart Ammunition, are being developed indigenously through the collaboration between DRDO and the Armed Forces, in line with the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India in defence) initiative.
The decisions also underline the growing complexity of military operations, where multi-domain capabilities—ranging from amphibious warfare to electronic intelligence and precision strikes—are becoming indispensable for modern armed forces. As regional geopolitical tensions continue to evolve, the integration of these advanced systems into India’s military will provide a decisive advantage in safeguarding national security.
With these procurements, India is expected to further solidify its position as a regional military power, equipped to address both conventional and unconventional security challenges in the years to come.
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