Defence Ministry Approves 10 Projects Valued at ₹1.44 Lakh Crore.

Recently, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, granted acceptance of necessity (AoN) for 10 capital acquisition proposals. These projects, valued at ₹1,44,716 crore, are aimed at modernizing India’s defense capabilities.

The proposals include the acquisition of Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs) to replace the ageing Soviet-origin T-92 tanks, Air Defence Fire Control Radars, Dornier-228 aircraft, and next-generation fast patrol and offshore patrol vessels. The FRCV procurement, poised to be the Indian Army’s largest-ever contract, will significantly modernize the tank fleet with a futuristic Main Battle Tank offering superior mobility, multi-layered protection, and precision firepower.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that the FRCVs will be acquired in three phases under the Make 1 procedure of the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP), with an initial allocation of 590 units. The overall plan is to replace over 1,700 T-92 tanks, which have become increasingly vulnerable in modern warfare, as evidenced by the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Additionally, the DAC has approved three proposals to bolster the Indian Coast Guard’s (ICG) capabilities. These include the procurement of Dornier-228 aircraft from Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), next-generation fast patrol vessels, and next-generation offshore patrol vessels (NGOPVs). These acquisitions will enhance the ICG’s ability to conduct surveillance, patrolling, search and rescue, and disaster relief operations.

The Ministry also noted that the procurement of Air Defence Fire Control Radars, which will replace vintage fly-catcher radars, will further strengthen India’s defense infrastructure. Notably, 99% of the total cost of these acquisitions will come from indigenous sources, under the Buy (Indian) and Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured) categories.

The DAC also approved the proposal for Forward Repair Team (Tracked) equipment, developed by Armoured Vehicles Nigam Ltd, to facilitate in-situ repairs during mechanized operations. This equipment is designed for both mechanized Infantry Battalions and Armoured Regiments, further enhancing the operational capabilities of the Indian armed forces.

HBL