India Clears Rs 2.12 Lakh Crore in Defence Purchases

New Delhi, October 26: India has cleared defence purchase proposals worth around Rs 2.12 lakh crore, aimed at boosting the combat strength of the Army, Navy and Air Force. The proposals bring together new guns, helicopters, air defence networks, long-range drones, warships and weather radars.

The Army is set to receive a range of modern equipment. These include high-mobility vehicles for transport, logistics and operations, automated gun systems, gun-fire detection systems and light multi-role helicopters. The package also includes very short-range air defence systems, counter-drone systems, long-endurance surveillance drones, an integrated surveillance and strike system and long-range suicide drones.

The Navy's approvals centre on missile defence and major platforms. The Active Offboard Decoy System will help divert enemy anti-ship missiles, improving the effectiveness of naval missile defence. Other key naval platforms, including modern warships, will be designed and built in India to suit current combat requirements.

For the Air Force, the approvals include helicopters, air defence systems, weapons, special-purpose helicopters and mobile X-band Doppler weather radar. The radar will offer high-level, detailed weather surveillance in forward areas, helping the force understand conditions in remote and sensitive regions.

The decision was taken at a Monday meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council under Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. It is an initial approval in the defence procurement process. A key highlight is that nearly 82 per cent of the total approved proposals will be bought from Indian industry, a move expected to promote domestic defence manufacturing and modernise the armed forces.