Rajnath Singh-Led Defence Council Clears ₹1.1 Lakh Crore Military Capability Boost

India’s Defence Acquisition Council has cleared proposals worth ₹1.1 lakh crore as the country seeks to sharpen the capabilities of its armed forces. The package covers systems for fighter jets, transport aircraft and helicopters, along with advanced light helicopters, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear reconnaissance vehicles, and Arudhra radars for the navy.

The council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, also granted Acceptance of Necessity for a ground-based multi-purpose jammer for the Indian Air Force, the design and later procurement of marine gas turbines for the navy, and high-mobility vehicles for the army. Under India’s defence procurement rules, the approval marks the first step toward buying military equipment.

The Air Force plan includes a pilot project to integrate Russian-origin RVV BD long-range air-to-air missiles with Sukhoi-30 fighters, according to people familiar with the matter. The ministry said the jammer will counter adversary radars, while the CBRN reconnaissance vehicles will detect, identify, monitor and mark areas contaminated by such agents.

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Of the total AoNs accorded, approximately 98% of procurements will be made from the Indian Industry.

The Arudhra radars are intended to replace existing air-route surveillance radars at naval air stations. Marine gas turbines, used to propel warships, are expected to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. High-mobility vehicles will support operations, logistics and movement in difficult terrain, while self-propelled mechanical mine layers will enable rapid minelaying in challenging areas.

Other army systems cleared include trawl tanks and the Sarvatra bridge system, which the ministry said would provide composite crossings for formations operating across varied terrain. The ministry said about 98% of the approved procurements would come from Indian industry. India aims to reach ₹3 lakh crore in defence manufacturing by 2029-30, after producing ₹1.8 lakh crore worth of defence equipment in 2025-26.

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will provide composite crossings to fighting formations during operations in varied terrains