On 3 July 2026, the DAC chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh gave AoN to defence projects worth nearly ₹52,000 crore. The approvals aim to boost the operational capability of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force with indigenous, next‑generation systems.
Key Developments
- Army: Procurement of Akash Tarang, MPATGM, MRSAM, Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (V‑SHORADS), Active Protection Systems for tanks, and jet‑based Kamikaze drone systems.
- Navy: Acquisition of Multi‑Influence Ground Mines (MIGM), Naval Shipborne Unmanned Aerial Systems (NSUAS), and establishment of a Land‑Based Testing Facility for Electric Propulsion Systems.
- Air Force: Procurement of FW‑HAPS and related proposals to enhance ISR and communications.
Important Facts
The approved systems address several capability gaps:
- Anti‑drone defence: Akash Tarang will protect ground forces from hostile UAVs.
- Anti‑armor firepower: MPATGM enhances infantry’s ability to defeat enemy tanks.
- Medium‑range air defence: MRSAM adds a layered shield against aerial threats.
- Maritime security: MIGM will deny sea‑lane access to adversaries, while NSUAS improves surveillance with advanced sensors.
- Persistent ISR: FW‑HAPS offers long‑duration intelligence, communication and remote‑sensing capabilities.
Exam Relevance
Understanding these procurements is vital for GS 2 (Polity) and GS 3 (Defence & Security). The role of the DAC illustrates the decision‑making process in India’s defence bureaucracy. The shift towards indigenous, cost‑effective systems aligns with the government’s ‘Make in India’ and self‑reliance (Atmanirbhar) policies, a recurring theme in UPSC essays.
Way Forward
To translate approvals into operational capability, the Ministry of Defence must ensure:
- Timely indigenous development and production to avoid import dependence.
- Robust testing and integration of new systems with existing platforms.
- Training of personnel for effective use of electronic‑warfare and anti‑drone assets.
- Continuous monitoring of technology trends, especially in unmanned and AI‑driven warfare.
Successful implementation will strengthen India’s deterrence across land, sea and air, and will be a key indicator of the nation’s strategic preparedness in future security assessments.