Government Approves Rs 54,000 Crore for Indigenous Military Equipment in Major Move Towards Self-Sufficiency

Synopsis

On March 20, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved eight proposals worth over Rs 54,000 crore for military hardware, including upgraded engines for T-90 tanks, Varunastra torpedoes for the Navy, and AEW&C systems for the Air Force, marking a significant push for self-reliance in defence.

Key Takeaways

Approval of Rs 54,000 crore for military hardware.
Upgraded engines for T-90 tanks.
Acquisition of Varunastra torpedoes for Navy.
Procurement of AEW&C systems for Air Force.
Initiative for self-reliance in defence.

New Delhi, March 20 (NationPress) The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has granted approval for eight proposals totaling over Rs 54,000 crore. These include acquiring more powerful engines for the Army’s T-90 tanks, anti-submarine torpedoes for the Navy, and Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) Aircraft Systems for the Air Force.

The council provided ‘Acceptance of Necessity’ (AoN) for the procurement of a 1350 HP engine to upgrade the existing 1000 HP engine for the T-90 tanks. This enhancement will significantly improve the battlefield mobility of these tanks, particularly in high-altitude regions, by boosting the power-to-weight ratio, as stated by the Defence Ministry.

In addition, the council approved the procurement of the indigenously-developed Varunastra Torpedoes (Combat) for the Indian Navy. This ship-launched anti-submarine torpedo has been developed by the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory. Inducing more of this torpedo will bolster the Navy's capabilities against submarine threats.

The DAC also granted AoN for the Indian Air Force’s acquisition of Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) Aircraft Systems, which are crucial for transforming the complete spectrum of warfare and significantly augmenting the combat potential of other weapon systems, according to the announcement.

As part of the initiative to celebrate 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms’ in the Defence Ministry, the DAC approved new guidelines aimed at reducing timelines at different stages of the Capital Acquisition Process for the defence services, making the process faster, more efficient, and effective, as per the Defence Ministry's statement.

The substantial orders for India-made military hardware have also contributed to increased self-reliance in line with the government’s Atmanirbhar vision.

Rajnath Singh expressed optimism that defence production, which surpassed the record figure of Rs 1.27 lakh crore in 2023-24, will exceed Rs 1.60 lakh crore by the conclusion of 2025-26, and defence exports, which reached a record Rs 21,000 crore, are expected to go beyond Rs 30,000 crore.

Earlier today, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the acquisition of the India-made Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) valued at nearly Rs 7,000 crore, marking a significant step toward the nation’s self-reliance in the defence sector.