The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, is scheduled to approve a comprehensive set of proposals worth over ₹1,00,000 Crores to modernize India’s armed services, including the Army, Air Force, and Navy, amid the ongoing Operation Sindoor.
The government’s urgency in bolstering national defense in response to changing security concerns is reflected in this, the first significant DAC meeting since the start of Operation Sindoor, India’s counter-terror and strategic surveillance operation.
DRDO-developed QRSAM systems, which can eliminate aircraft threats within a 30-kilometer range, would be provided to the Indian Army as part of a ₹30,000 crore initiative. With its quick interception capabilities against adversary aircraft, drones, and missiles, this system will greatly improve India’s tiered air defense infrastructure.
The purchase of three Intelligence, Surveillance, Targeting, and Reconnaissance (I-STAR) aircraft is being requested by the Indian Air Force. These aircraft will be purchased from foreign producers and then upgraded by the Centre for Airborne Systems at DRDO in association with partners in the business sector. The Air Force’s operational edge will be strengthened by the I-STAR fleet’s enhanced intelligence collection, precision strike, and real-time battlefield awareness capabilities.
The induction of pressure-based moored mines created by DRDO has been suggested by the Indian Navy. In order to improve maritime security in key regions and dissuade possible threats along India’s maritime borders, these sea mines are designed to repel hostile submarines and surface ships.
It is anticipated that the proposal to upgrade 84 Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets, which was earlier accepted in principle, will be given more thought. In order to ensure that these frontline aircraft continue to be effective against modern threats, the update will concentrate on improved electronic warfare capabilities, new armament systems, and advanced avionics.
Additionally, the Navy is advocating for the purchase of unmanned underwater drones. The ability of India to monitor and secure its large maritime domain would be strengthened by the crucial role these autonomous vessels will play in undersea warfare, surveillance, and information gathering.
The DAC’s decisions, which place a strong focus on both indigenization and the deployment of cutting-edge technologies, have the potential to greatly improve India’s operational readiness. In addition to addressing current security issues, these improvements will create the framework for a stronger, more resilient military infrastructure in the future.
Amid increased regional tensions and the continued strategic imperatives of Operation Sindoor, the meeting reaffirms the government’s commitment to providing the armed forces with state-of-the-art capabilities.
