DAC Approves Defence Acquisition Proposals Worth ₹54,000 Crore

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved new guidelines aimed at expediting the capital acquisition process, making it faster and more efficient. The approval was granted during a Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) meeting, aligning with the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) initiative to mark 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms.’

In addition, the DAC has cleared capital acquisition proposals worth over ₹54,000 crore to bolster India’s defence capabilities, the MoD stated on Thursday.

The need for a speedier and streamlined acquisition process has been long-pending, as the industry and armed forces have highlighted concerns over prolonged timelines—sometimes extending up to seven years—while modern technology rapidly evolves.

Key Approvals:

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  Indian Army: The DAC granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for procuring 1,350 HP engines to upgrade the current 1,000 HP engines for T-90 main battle tanks (MBTs). The Indian Army operates approximately 1,700 T-90 tanks, which are undergoing major upgrades to enhance firepower and mobility, particularly in high-altitude regions—an essential requirement post the 2020 Galwan standoff with China.

  
  


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  Indian Navy: Approval was granted for the procurement of Varunastra Torpedoes, an indigenously developed ship-launched anti-submarine torpedo by the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory. The additional units will enhance the Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

  
  


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  Indian Air Force: The DAC approved the procurement of Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) Aircraft Systems, which play a crucial role in air surveillance and significantly enhance combat effectiveness across warfare domains.

  
  

The MoD emphasized that these acquisitions will strengthen India’s military preparedness and technological edge in modern warfare.

HBL