The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on December 29 accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for a series of procurement proposals for the Army, Navy and Air Force, with the total outlay estimated at around ₹79,000 crore.
Acceptance of Necessity is the first formal step in the defence procurement process, under which the DAC grants in-principle approval for acquiring military equipment and systems.
During the meeting, the council cleared proposals for the Indian Army to procure loiter munition systems for artillery regiments, low-level lightweight radars, long-range guided rocket ammunition for the Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), and the Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDDIS) Mk-II.
The loiter munition systems are intended for precision strikes against tactical targets, while the low-level lightweight radars will help detect and track small, low-flying unmanned aerial systems. The long-range guided rockets are expected to significantly enhance the range and accuracy of the Pinaka system, enabling effective engagement of high-value targets. The upgraded IDDIS Mk-II, with an extended detection range, will strengthen protection of vital Army assets in both forward areas and hinterland locations.
For the Indian Navy, the DAC cleared procurement of Bollard Pull (BP) tugs, High-Frequency Software Defined Radio (HF SDR) manpacks, and the leasing of High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). The BP tugs will support naval ships and submarines during berthing, unberthing and manoeuvring in confined harbour areas.
The HF SDR manpacks are aimed at improving secure long-range communication during boarding and landing operations, while the HALE RPAS will bolster intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities and enhance maritime domain awareness across the Indian Ocean Region.
The council also granted AoN for several Indian Air Force proposals, including the induction of an Automatic Take-off and Landing Recording System, Astra Mk-II air-to-air missiles, a Full Mission Simulator for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, and SPICE-1000 long-range guidance kits.
The Automatic Take-off and Landing Recording System will help address gaps in aviation safety by enabling high-definition, all-weather recording of flight operations. The Astra Mk-II missiles, with extended range, will strengthen the Air Force’s ability to engage hostile aircraft from long stand-off distances. The Full Mission Simulator will enhance pilot training for the LCA Tejas in a safe and cost-effective manner, while the SPICE-1000 kits will boost the IAF’s long-range precision strike capability.