India’s push to modernise its armed forces gathered pace on 29th December as the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved defence procurement proposals worth around Rs 79,000 crore. The clearances span major upgrades and fresh acquisitions for the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.

Key approvals include the overhaul of T-90 tanks, mid-life upgrades of Mi-17 helicopters, and the purchase of medium-range surface-to-air missiles (MRSAM) for the Navy and the Air Force. The DAC, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, also cleared the procurement of loitering munitions and Astra Mark II air-to-air missiles. This strengthens the IAF’s long-range combat capability.

The council further approved changes to ongoing procurement plans. These include amendments to the Request for Proposal for aerial refuellers and Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft. Several of the approvals are expected to support greater indigenous manufacturing under India’s defence self-reliance push.

The meeting was attended by senior defence leadership, including the Chief of Defence Staff, the three service chiefs, the Defence Secretary and the DRDO chief.

The 29th December sitting was the fourth DAC meeting in 2025. This highlights a year of steady momentum in defence procurement. Earlier in the year, the council cleared proposals worth Rs 1.05 lakh crore in July. There were over Rs 54,000 crore in March, and another Rs 79,000 crore in October. This underscores the government’s focus on faster procurement, stronger capabilities and domestic defence production.

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