Atharva Salunke
India’s security environment has changed fundamentally over the last decade. Conventional military threats continue to exist, but they are now accompanied by rapidly evolving challenges such as drone warfare, electronic warfare, cyber threats, precision-guided munitions, and persistent surveillance. Recent conflicts across the world have demonstrated that future wars will be fought not only by tanks and fighter aircraft but also through autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, electronic warfare and integrated air defence.
Against this backdrop, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh, approved capital acquisition proposals worth nearly ₹52,000 crore for the Indian Armed Forces. The approvals cover advanced capabilities for the Army, Navy and Air Force, including the AKASH TARANG anti-UAV electronic warfare system, Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (MPATGM), Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM), Very Short Range Air Defence System (V-SHORADS), Active Protection Systems for tanks, Jet-Based Kamikaze Drones, Naval Shipborne Unmanned Aerial Systems, Multi-Influence Ground Mines, and High Altitude Pseudo Satellites (FW-HAPS).
Far from being another procurement announcement, these approvals illustrate how India’s defence planning has evolved under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government from replacing outdated equipment to building capabilities suited for twenty-first-century warfare.
From Reactive Procurement to Capability-Based Planning
For many years, India’s defence procurement process often faced criticism for delays, slow decision-making and prolonged capability gaps. Since 2014, the government has placed greater emphasis on modernisation, faster acquisition processes and long-term capability development.
The latest DAC approvals reflect this shift. Rather than concentrating on a single platform, they strengthen multiple domains simultaneously in air defence, anti-drone warfare, electronic warfare, surveillance, naval operations and battlefield mobility. Such an integrated approach is increasingly important as modern conflicts demand seamless coordination across land, sea, air, space and cyberspace.
Learning from Modern Battlefields
Wars in recent years have demonstrated that inexpensive drones can inflict disproportionate damage on military formations. Similarly, loitering munitions, electronic warfare systems and integrated air defence have become decisive elements in modern combat.
The inclusion of AKASH TARANG, V-SHORADS and Jet-Based Kamikaze Drones indicates that India’s military planners are responding to these evolving realities. AKASH TARANG is intended to provide effective protection against hostile unmanned aerial vehicles, while V-SHORADS strengthens short-range air defence against low-flying aerial threats. Jet-based kamikaze drones enhance precision strike capabilities while offering cost-effective options for engaging high-value targets.
Instead of preparing for yesterday’s wars, these acquisitions aim to ensure that Indian forces are equipped for the challenges of tomorrow.
Strengthening All Three Services
One notable feature of the ₹52,000 crore package is that it benefits every branch of the armed forces.
For the Indian Army, approvals include anti-drone systems, anti-tank guided missiles, air defence systems and active protection systems for tanks, improving battlefield survivability and offensive capability.
The Indian Navy receives Multi-Influence Ground Mines, Naval Shipborne Unmanned Aerial Systems and a Land-Based Testing Facility for Electric Propulsion Systems. These acquisitions strengthen maritime domain awareness and enhance the Navy’s ability to protect India’s expanding interests in the Indian Ocean Region.
The Indian Air Force will procure Fixed-Wing High Altitude Pseudo Satellites capable of persistent intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, telecommunications and remote sensing. Such systems extend operational awareness without relying solely on conventional satellite infrastructure.
This balanced allocation reflects a recognition that national security depends upon joint force development rather than isolated upgrades.
Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence
Another significant aspect of recent defence policy has been the emphasis on indigenous manufacturing. Several approved systems are either designed or intended to be produced within India, supporting the broader objective of reducing dependence on foreign suppliers while strengthening the domestic defence industrial base.
The policy has implications beyond military preparedness. Defence manufacturing stimulates research and development, creates high-skilled employment, strengthens supply chains and encourages collaboration between public and private industry. Companies operating in missile systems, electronic warfare, unmanned technologies and defence electronics stand to benefit as procurement translates into production orders.
While self-reliance remains a long-term goal rather than an immediate achievement, sustained investment has the potential to enhance both strategic autonomy and industrial capability.
Leadership and Strategic Vision
Supporters of the Modi government argue that defence modernisation has become a central pillar of national policy rather than an occasional response to crises. Over the past decade, the government has increased capital expenditure, prioritised border infrastructure, encouraged domestic production and accelerated procurement reforms.
The latest DAC decisions align with that broader vision. They suggest a willingness to invest not merely in replacing ageing equipment but in developing capabilities relevant to future conflicts.
At the same time, procurement alone does not guarantee military effectiveness. Timely execution, integration across the services, effective training and sustained maintenance will determine whether these acquisitions deliver their intended operational advantages.
A Necessary Investment
Defence spending often attracts debate because it competes with other national priorities. Yet history consistently demonstrates that preparedness is far less costly than strategic vulnerability.
India faces a complex security environment characterised by contested borders, maritime competition and rapidly advancing military technologies. In such circumstances, maintaining credible deterrence requires continuous investment in modern capabilities.
The ₹52,000 crore approvals therefore represent more than expenditure; they represent an investment in national security. They seek to ensure that Indian soldiers, sailors and air warriors possess the equipment necessary to meet emerging threats with confidence.
Conclusion
The Defence Acquisition Council’s latest approvals underscore India’s determination to prepare for the future character of warfare. By strengthening anti-drone capabilities, integrated air defence, precision strike systems, maritime surveillance and persistent intelligence platforms, the government has signalled that modernisation remains a strategic priority.
For supporters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this decision reinforces the view that his government has pursued a sustained agenda of defence reform, technological modernisation and strategic self-reliance. Whether judged through the lens of deterrence, military preparedness or indigenous capability development, the ₹52,000 crore package represents another significant step in India’s effort to build armed forces capable of meeting the security challenges of the twenty-first century.
About the Contributor:
Atharva Salunke is a Policy Research Associate at NITI TANTRA and a Visiting Researcher and Assistant Editor at IMPRI. He has recently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Sir Parashurambhau College, Pune.
Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.
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