Rafale jets, P8I aircraft, Vibhav anti-tank mines: India clears procurement worth Rs 3.6 lakh crore in mega defence push

AoN was approved for the procurement of Rafale jets, Combat Missiles and Air-Ship Based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (AS-HAPS).

• Defence Acquisition Council approves Rs 3.60 lakh crore for military upgrades
• 114 Rafale jets, combat missiles, and AS-HAPS cleared for Indian Air Force
• Military branches to receive new gear and improved surveillance systems

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In a major boost to the armed forces, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on Thursday cleared capital acquisition proposals worth Rs 3.60 lakh crore, marking one of the largest approvals in recent years aimed at strengthening the combat readiness of the military.

The Ministry of Defence issued a statement with details of the approvals accorded by DAC, which is chaired by defence minister Rajnath Singh.

The statement said that the approvals cover key requirements of the Indian Air Force (IAF), Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard.

For the IAF, Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) was approved for the procurement of French Rafale jets, combat missiles and Air-Ship Based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (AS-HAPS).

“The procurement of Multi Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) will enhance the capability of undertaking air dominance roles across the spectrum of conflict and significantly boost the deterrence capabilities of IAF with long range offensive strikes. The majority of MRFA to be procured will be manufactured in India," it said.

The ministry further said that the combat missiles will enhance the stand-off ground attack capability with deep strike power and very high accuracy.

Referring to AS-HAPS, the ministry said, “The AS-HAPS will be utilised towards carrying out persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Electronic Intelligence, telecommunication and remote sensing for military purposes.”

The MRFA programme, which is expected to bring advanced Rafale fighter jets into the IAF under a largely India-manufactured framework, is seen as a critical step to boost air dominance and long-range strike capability amid evolving regional security dynamics.

Sources earlier told CNN-News18 that that India plans to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force.

For the Indian Army, AoN was accorded for the procurement of Anti-Tank Mines (Vibhav) and overhaul of Vehicle Platforms of Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARVs), T-72 Tanks and Infantry Combat Vehicles (BMP-II).

“Vibhav mines will be laid as anti-tank obstacle system to delay the advance of enemy mechanized forces. The overhaul of vehicle platforms of ARVs, T-72 Tanks and BMP-II will enhance service life of equipment ensuring readiness and operational effectiveness of the Indian Army," the statement said.

For the Navy, the ministry has cleared a 04 MW Marine Gas Turbine based Electric Power Generator and the Boeing P8I Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft.

“Induction of 04 MW Marine Gas Turbine based Electric Power Generator under Make-I category of Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 will minimise the dependency on foreign manufacturers, ensure self-reliance in power generation requirement of Indian Navy.”

On the P8I aircraft, it noted, “The acquisition of P8I aircraft will significantly boost the Navy’s combat/war-fighting capability of long-range anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance and maritime strike capability.”

For the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), AoN was accorded for the procurement of Electro-Optical/Infra-Red system for Dornier aircraft. “The procurement will assist in enhancing the efficacy of maritime surveillance capability of the ICG,” the statement said.

The approvals come just months after India and Pakistan were engaged in a major escalation post Operation Sindoor, which saw four days of intense military action involving drones and missiles.