From drones and radars to rifles: Indian forces to get 13 weapons worth ₹1,982 crore under fast-track route. Check full list

The Ministry of Defence has signed 13 contracts worth ₹1,982 crore for the Indian Army under the fifth phase of Emergency Procurement (EP-5). These contracts aim to quickly supply weapons and equipment critical for counter-terrorism and counter-drone operations, with delivery timelines capped at 12 months.

Emergency Procurement targets urgent needs

The emergency procurement route is designed to meet the immediate needs of the armed forces by cutting through lengthy procedures. In EP-5, the focus is on strengthening frontline readiness, mobility, protection, and firepower in operational areas. The newly signed contracts are part of this approach and include systems to improve situational awareness and combat effectiveness.

A ministry official told The Times of India, the emergency procurement route “continues to be a key enabler in bridging urgent capability gaps and ensuring timely induction of vital operational equipment.”

New weapon systems acquired under EP-5

As part of the ₹1,982 crore worth of EP-5 contracts, the following systems have been procured for the Indian Army:

Igla-1S VSHORADS (Very Short-Range Air Defence Systems)
• Range: Up to 6 km
• Assembled in India by Adani Defence

Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction Systems (IDDIS)
• For neutralizing hostile drones

Low-Level Lightweight Radars
• To enhance aerial surveillance

Night Sights for Rifles
• To aid operations in low-light conditions

Bulletproof Jackets and Ballistic Helmets
• To improve soldier survivability

Quick-Reaction Fighting Vehicles
• For mobility in combat zones

Nagastra-1R Kamikaze Drones
• Quantity: ~450 units
• Cost: ₹158 crore
• Manufacturer: Solar Defence and Aerospace Ltd

Switch Mini-UAVs (Hybrid VTOL Surveillance Drones)
• Cost: ₹137 crore
• Manufacturer: ideaForge Technology

The ministry noted that the equipment being inducted is “modern and mission-critical” and will enhance combat effectiveness in counter-terror environments.

Air Force deployed advanced weapons during May strikes

Separately, the Indian Air Force used a range of air-to-ground precision munitions during its strikes between May 7 and 10. These included:

BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missiles (Indo-Russian origin)

Crystal Maze-2 Missiles (Israel)

Rampage Air-to-Ground Missiles (Israel)

SCALP Cruise Missiles (France)

HAMMER Precision-Guided Munitions (France)

Next phase of procurement much larger

The Ministry is now working on a sixth phase (EP-6) with an estimated ceiling of ₹40,000 crore. This phase aims to further replenish and upgrade the capabilities of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. As per TOI, EP-6 may include imported systems, each limited to ₹300 crore per contract.

The fast-track procurement model remains a key part of India's military modernisation drive, addressing urgent operational requirements across services.