Defence Ministry clears ₹2.12 lakh crore military acquisitions, including 200 helicopters

New Delhi: The armed forces are set to receive additional mobile artillery guns, a new fleet of light helicopters, VVIP transport helicopters, destroyers and several new drone systems, with the Rajnath Singh-led Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approving acquisition proposals worth ₹2.12 lakh crore.

Among the proposals cleared is the acquisition of additional 323 K9 Vajra artillery guns that have been upgraded to operate in harsh cold and high-altitude conditions. "The Self-Propelled Tracked Gun System will provide matching mobility and firepower to mechanised formations," officials said.

The Army will also receive new Very Short-Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS), Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) to protect tanks and armoured units, and long-range surveillance and attack drones. "VSHORADS will engage new-generation, small-sized aerial threats while C-UAS will enhance the survivability of tanks on the modern battlefield. The surveillance and drone systems will enhance the surveillance and targeting capabilities of the Indian Army," officials added.


The largest proposal cleared by the ministry is for the acquisition of Light Multi-Role Helicopters (LMRH), which will be used by both the Army and the Indian Air Force for reconnaissance and surveillance, combat, search and rescue of troops, and humanitarian assistance missions.

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Sources said that nearly 200 helicopters are being acquired, with the procurement conditions mandating their production in India. The acquisition is likely to be split into two parts, with two bidders to be selected to establish assembly lines in India. Tata Advanced Systems Limited, in partnership with Airbus, and Adani Defence and Aerospace, in partnership with Leonardo, are the frontrunners.

Among the proposals cleared for IAF is the acquisition of 24 new Special Utility Helicopters for transporting VVIPs. Equipped with advanced defences against ground-based threats, these copters are likely to be procured directly from overseas, given the limited numbers required. IAF will also receive new Mobile X-Band Doppler Weather Radar Systems to enhance its air defence and warfighting capabilities.

For Navy, approval was granted for the procurement of an Active Offboard Decoy System and other major naval platforms. AODS will strengthen the Navy's defences against modern anti-ship missiles.