The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved a series of acquisition proposals aimed at strengthening the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF), with a particular focus on air-defence, combat readiness and mission support systems.

The approvals form part of a wider capital procurement package intended to accelerate the modernisation of India's armed forces while promoting greater self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

For the IAF, the DAC has accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of air-defence systems, weapons and Mobile X-Band Doppler Weather Radar Systems. These acquisitions are expected to enhance the service's ability to conduct sustained air operations across a diverse range of operational environments.

The planned induction of new air-defence systems is aimed at strengthening the protection of critical military assets, airbases and strategic infrastructure against evolving aerial threats. As modern battlefields increasingly feature drones, precision-guided munitions and low-flying hostile aircraft, enhanced air-defence capabilities are becoming an increasingly important element of force protection.

The approval for additional weapons is expected to provide the Air Force with greater operational flexibility and combat effectiveness. Modern weapon systems play a vital role in maintaining credible deterrence while enabling rapid and precise responses during both defensive and offensive missions.

A significant element of the approval package is the procurement of Mobile X-Band Doppler Weather Radar Systems. These systems are designed to provide accurate and real-time weather data, supporting flight safety and operational planning across the Air Force's network of bases and deployment locations.

Weather intelligence has become a critical component of modern air operations. By delivering detailed information on atmospheric conditions, rainfall patterns, storm activity and other meteorological developments, Doppler weather radars help air commanders and flight planners optimise mission schedules and reduce weather-related operational risks.

The mobility of these radar systems is expected to provide additional flexibility, enabling them to be deployed where required to support operational activities, exercises and missions in diverse geographical regions.

The approvals underscore the Indian Air Force's continuing efforts to modernise its operational infrastructure and improve situational awareness. Enhanced weather surveillance, combined with stronger air-defence capabilities and advanced weapon systems, is expected to contribute significantly to mission effectiveness and overall combat preparedness.

The latest DAC decisions also reflect the Government of India's continued emphasis on indigenous defence production. A substantial proportion of the approved acquisitions are expected to be sourced from Indian industry, supporting domestic manufacturers while strengthening the country's defence industrial base.

The approvals represent another step in India's broader military modernisation drive, aimed at ensuring that the Indian Air Force remains equipped to address emerging security challenges while maintaining a high level of operational readiness across the full spectrum of air operations.

Agencies