Defence Acquisition Council Approves ₹52,000 Cr Procurement Plan to Boost Army, Navy, Air Force Capabilities (2026)
On 3 July 2026, the Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, gave Acceptance of Necessity to a ₹52,000 crore procurement plan covering new anti‑UAV, anti‑tank, air‑defence, naval mine, ship‑borne UAV and high‑altitude pseudo‑satellite systems, aimed at strengthening the combat readiness of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.
On 3 July 2026 , the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) gave in‑principle approval, called Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) , to a package of projects worth about ₹52,000 crore . The package aims to improve combat readiness of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. Key Developments Army: procurement of AKASH TARANG , MPATGM , MRSAM , V‑SHORADS , an APS and a jet‑based kamikaze drone system. Navy: acquisition of MIGM , a NSUAS , and establishment of a LBTF for electric propulsion. Air Force: procurement of a FW‑HAPS system and related proposals. Important Facts The total outlay of ₹52,000 crore reflects a major push to modernise the three services. The Army’s new systems focus on counter‑
Quick Reference
Key Insight
DAC’s ₹52,000 cr defence spend marks a major push for indigenous, high‑tech military capability.
Key Facts
- 3 July 2026: Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) gave Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) to a ₹52,000 crore procurement package.
- The package covers Army systems – AKASH TARANG (anti‑UAV EW), MPATGM (man‑portable anti‑tank missile), MRSAM (medium‑range SAM), V‑SHORADS (very short‑range air defence), APS (active protection for tanks) and a jet‑based kamikaze drone.
- Navy acquisitions include MIGM (multi‑influence ground mine), NSUAS (ship‑borne UAV) and a Land‑Based Testing Facility for electric propulsion.
- Air Force will procure FW‑HAPS (fixed‑wing high‑altitude pseudo‑satellite) for persistent ISR and communications.
- AoN is the administrative sanction that a defence project is essential for national security; it is a prerequisite for detailed project approval.
- DAC is chaired by the Defence Minister and sits at the top of India’s defence procurement hierarchy, linking policy, budgeting and execution.
- All projects are slated for indigenous development under the Make‑in‑India programme, aiming at strategic autonomy and reduced import dependence.
Background
The DAC’s approval reflects India’s policy of modernising its armed forces while reducing reliance on foreign arms. It ties into the UPSC syllabus on defence procurement procedures (GS III) and the role of high‑level decision‑making bodies (GS II). The focus on indigenous, low‑carbon and network‑centric systems also links to broader themes of Make‑in‑India and sustainable defence.
UPSC Syllabus
- GS3 — Various security forces and agencies
Mains Angle
GS III – Discuss how the recent ₹52,000 crore defence procurement plan advances India’s strategic autonomy and what challenges the implementation may face. Examine the role of the DAC and AoN in the procurement process.