India has approved a defence acquisition plan valued at about ₹1,10,000 crore, with an unprecedented 98 per cent of the procurements to be sourced directly from the Indian industry.

This decision represents one of the most significant endorsements of domestic defence manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat framework, signalling a clear intent to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and strengthen indigenous capabilities.

The Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, granted Acceptance of Necessity to the proposals on 7 September. This approval covers acquisitions for the Army, Navy and Air Force, ensuring a balanced modernisation drive across all three services.

The emphasis on Indian industry is expected to generate substantial opportunities for established defence manufacturers as well as emerging Start-Ups, embedding resilience in the supply chain and boosting employment in the sector.

For the Army, approvals include Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Recce Vehicles designed to detect, identify, monitor and mark contaminated areas, thereby enhancing survivability in unconventional warfare.

High Mobility Vehicles will strengthen logistics and mobility in challenging terrains, while Self-Propelled Mechanical Mine Layers will provide rapid mine-laying capabilities. Advanced Light Helicopters will support complex missions across varied terrains, serving both the Army and Air Force. 

Trawl Tanks and Sarvatra Bridge Systems will ensure composite crossings for fighting formations, enhancing manoeuvre capability.

For the Navy, the procurement of Arudhra Radars will replace ageing Air Route Surveillance Radars at Naval Air Stations, improving maritime airspace monitoring. The design, development and procurement of Marine Gas Turbines has also been sanctioned, a critical step towards reducing dependence on foreign propulsion systems and reinforcing warship self-reliance.

For the Air Force, proposals were cleared to enhance the war-fighting capability of fighters, transport aircraft and helicopters. Ground-Based Multi-Purpose Jammers will provide effective electronic warfare capability against adversary radars.

The Defence Forces Secure Access Card system will replace paper-based identity cards, passes and permits with an interoperable RFID-based smart card system, strengthening security across defence establishments.

The scale of this ₹1,10,000 crore approval underscores India’s determination to build a technologically advanced, self-reliant military force.

By ensuring that 98 per cent of the procurement comes from Indian industry, the government has reinforced its commitment to indigenous production, strategic autonomy and long-term resilience in defence preparedness.

Agencies