₹2.38 Lakh Crore Defence Clearance to Strengthen IAF, Army Firepower and Strategic Systems

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) , chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh , has approved defence procurement proposals worth ₹2.38 lakh crore , signalling a significant expansion of India’s military modernisation programme. The approvals cover a wide spectrum of military hardware, advanced weapon systems, and critical support infrastructure , aimed at strengthening the operational capabilities of the armed forces across domains.

At the core of the decision is a strong focus on the Indian Air Force (IAF) , with approvals for medium transport aircraft to replace the ageing AN-32 and IL-76 fleets . This move is expected to significantly improve India’s strategic and tactical airlift capability , enabling faster deployment of troops, equipment, and humanitarian aid across diverse terrains.

A major highlight is the expansion of the S-400 long-range surface-to-air missile system , which will strengthen India’s multi-layered air defence shield . These advanced systems are capable of detecting and neutralising a wide range of aerial threats, including enemy aircraft, drones, and ballistic missiles , thereby securing vital installations and population centres.

The DAC has also cleared the procurement of remotely piloted strike aircraft , signalling a shift toward technology-driven and unmanned warfare . These platforms will enhance precision strike capability , while also supporting stealth intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations , reducing risks to human pilots.

In addition, the approval for the overhaul of Su-30 aero engine aggregates will extend the service life of India’s frontline fighter fleet, ensuring sustained combat readiness and cost-effective maintenance .

Beyond air power, the procurement package includes critical upgrades for the Indian Army , such as Dhanush artillery guns to enhance long-range strike capability, along with advanced communication and surveillance systems to improve battlefield awareness and coordination. The Indian Coast Guard will benefit from heavy-duty hovercraft , strengthening coastal security and rapid response capabilities.

Importantly, the approvals also include specialised ammunition , particularly armour-piercing tank rounds , designed to penetrate heavily protected enemy vehicles. This indicates that the procurement is not limited to platforms alone but also addresses combat lethality and battlefield effectiveness , ensuring that frontline forces are equipped for high-intensity conflicts.

The diverse nature of these acquisitions reflects a shift toward integrated and network-centric warfare , where firepower, mobility, surveillance, and communication systems operate in tandem. The emphasis on replacing ageing assets, adopting modern technologies, and improving indigenous manufacturing underlines the government’s long-term vision of building a self-reliant and future-ready military force .

Overall, the ₹2.38 lakh crore approvals represent a holistic capability upgrade , combining advanced weapon systems, next-generation platforms, and critical ammunition to enhance India’s defence posture amid evolving regional and global security challenges.