Before the fiscal year closes on March 31, 2025, India is likely to finalize four major defense contracts worth over ₹1.5 lakh crore. These agreements, which are essential for improving India’s military prowess, comprise:
The Indian Navy’s operating capabilities will be strengthened by the planned acquisition of these aircraft from France, especially for its aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. The contract, which includes 22 single-seat and four twin-seat jets, is expected to be worth over ₹50,000 crore.
The deal also includes the purchase of three further Scorpene-class submarines, which will be built in partnership with Mazagon Dockyard Limited (MDL) and the French Naval Group. This agreement, which is anticipated to cost around ₹30,000 crore, intends to improve India’s undersea warfare capabilities.
India’s aerial combat capabilities will be significantly strengthened by these helicopters, albeit the most recent reports did not specifically mention the cost. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited will produce the 156 new Prachand helicopters (90 for the Army and 66 for the IAF), which can conduct offensive operations in high-altitude regions such as Siachen Glacier and eastern Ladakh. They will join the 15 of these helicopters (10 IAF and five Army) that have previously been introduced under a 2022 contract worth ₹3,887 crore.
Although the financial parameters have not yet been revealed, the acquisition’s goal is to modernize India’s artillery capability. Since Bharat Forge was the lowest bidder, it will construct 60% of the firearms, with Tata producing the remaining 40%. Because the Army intends to introduce “more advanced versions,” the order for 307 ATAGS is probably going to increase in the future, reaching a total requirement of 1,580 of these weapons.
Signing all four agreements this fiscal year is the goal. To further reduce procurement delays, streamline procedures, and level the playing field for everyone, work is also being done to update the Defence Acquisition Procedure-2020, according to a different source.
These contracts are a component of a larger plan to update India’s military in the face of growing regional security threats, especially in view of China’s growing naval power. The Indian government’s commitment to increasing self-reliance in defense manufacture is demonstrated by the sizeable budgetary allocations it has made to assist these efforts.
