The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today is set to deliberate on major proposals including the overhaul of forty Su‑30MKI fighter jets, acquisition of 2,500 indigenously developed Software Defined Radios (SDRs), and naval projects such as next‑generation destroyers and marine gas turbines.

These decisions mark a significant step in India’s defence modernisation drive, though any clearance will only amount to an Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), not a final contract.

The proposal to overhaul forty Sukhoi‑30MKI fighter jets has been put forward by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The plan is aimed at extending the operational life of these aircraft by another fifteen to twenty years.

This assumes greater importance as the Indian Air Force continues to operate with around thirty fighter squadrons against an authorised strength of forty. The Su‑30MKI fleet, numbering close to two hundred and sixty aircraft, remains the backbone of the IAF’s combat capability.

The aircraft’s importance is further underscored by delays in TEJAS induction due to GE‑F404 engine supply issues and ongoing negotiations for one hundred and fourteen Rafale jets. The IAF has also ordered twelve additional Su‑30MKIs from HAL’s Nashik facility.

The DAC is also expected to consider the acquisition of 2,500 indigenously developed Software Defined Radios in a deal estimated at about ₹5,000 crores.

These SDRs are designed to enable secure, network‑centric communication across fighter aircraft, helicopters, transport planes, radars, sensors and ground stations. Domestic production of these systems is part of India’s broader push for defence self‑reliance.

For the Indian Navy, the agenda includes procurement of new radars for Russian‑built Talwar‑class frigates and Air Route Surveillance Radars for naval stations.

Plans linked to four next‑generation destroyers are also on the table, along with the acquisition of 24‑28 MW marine gas turbines to strengthen propulsion capabilities for future naval platforms. These proposals reflect the Navy’s focus on enhancing both surveillance and propulsion systems for its fleet.

The Su‑30 overhaul builds on earlier efforts to keep the fleet operational. The DAC had previously cleared the overhaul of Su‑30MKI aero‑engine aggregates as part of a larger ₹2,38,000 crores defence acquisition package.

In December 2024, the Defence Ministry had also approved procurement of twelve additional Su‑30MKIs from HAL’s Nashik facility. These measures highlight the sustained investment required to maintain the combat readiness of India’s most critical fighter fleet.

It is important to note that any clearance by the DAC today would only be an Acceptance of Necessity. This represents the initial approval required before procurement can move forward. It does not amount to a final contract.

The eventual cost, scope and delivery schedule will be determined through the subsequent procurement process. This distinction is crucial in understanding India’s defence acquisition framework, where AoN is the first step in a long process before contracts are signed and execution begins.

Agencies