Big defence push! Rajnath Singh-led council clears Rs. 79,000 crore for Armed Forces

At its meeting held on December 29, 2025, the DAC approved AoN for the procurement of several critical systems for the Indian Army, including the Loiter Munition System for Artillery Regiments, Low-Level Lightweight Radars, Long-Range Guided Rocket Ammunition for the Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MRLS), and the Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDD&IS) Mk-II.

The Loiter Munition System will enable precision strikes against tactical targets, while the Low-Level Lightweight Radars will enhance the Army’s ability to detect and track small, low-flying unmanned aerial systems. The Long-Range Guided Rockets will significantly improve the range and accuracy of the Pinaka MRLS, enabling effective engagement of high-value targets. The IDD&IS Mk-II, with its enhanced range, will provide robust protection to vital military assets across tactical battle areas and hinterland regions.

For the Indian Navy, AoN was granted for the procurement of Bollard Pull (BP) Tugs, High-Frequency Software Defined Radios (HF SDR) Manpack, and the leasing of High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). The induction of BP Tugs will support naval ships and submarines during berthing, unberthing, and maneuvering in confined harbor waters.

The HF SDR Manpack will strengthen secure long-range communications during boarding and landing operations, while the HALE RPAS will provide persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, significantly enhancing Maritime Domain Awareness across the Indian Ocean Region.

For the Indian Air Force, AoN was approved for the procurement of the Automatic Take-Off and Landing Recording System, Astra Mk-II Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Missiles, Full Mission Simulator for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, and SPICE-1000 Long-Range Precision Guidance Kits.

The Automatic Take-Off and Landing Recording System will address gaps in aerospace safety by enabling high-definition, all-weather recording of critical flight phases. The Astra Mk-II missiles, with their enhanced engagement range, will significantly boost the Air Force’s ability to neutralise adversary aircraft from extended standoff distances. The Full Mission Simulator will enhance pilot training in a cost-effective and risk-free environment, while the SPICE-1000 guidance kits will further strengthen the IAF’s long-range precision strike capabilities.