DAC Defence Deals: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved defence purchase proposals worth around ₹2,12,000 crore on October 26, 2026. The proposals cover new military equipment for the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. Around 82% of the planned purchases will come from Indian companies. This will also support India’s efforts to make more defence equipment within the country.
The council granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), which is an initial approval to start the purchase process. It doesn’t mean that all contracts have been signed or the equipment has already been bought.
Key Approvals for the Indian Army
The Army will get approval to move ahead with the purchase of several vehicles, weapons, helicopters and drone systems. These are expected to improve its strength and help soldiers work better in difficult areas.
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The approved equipment includes:
- High Mobility Vehicles (HMV)
- Self-Propelled Tracked Gun System
- Gun Shot Response System (GSRS)
- Light Multi Role Helicopters (LMRH)
- Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS)
- Platform Based Counter Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS)
- Unmanned Aerial System Brick Long Range
- Surveillance UAV
- Integrated Surveillance and Strike System
- Long Range Kamikaze Drone System
The vehicles will help soldiers and supplies move across difficult terrain. The tracked gun system will improve firepower and movement on the battlefield. GSRS will give forces real-time information about their surroundings. Helicopters will support surveillance, combat, rescue work and disaster relief. The air defence and counter-drone systems will help protect soldiers and tanks from threats in the sky. The drone systems will also improve surveillance and targeting.
Key Approvals for the Indian Navy
The Navy received approval for the following purchases:
- Active Offboard Decoy System (AODS)
- Other major naval platforms
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AODS will help protect naval ships from modern anti-ship missiles by improving their missile defence. The new naval platforms will also bring modern fighting abilities and strengthen the Navy’s overall combat power
Key Approvals for the Indian Air Force
The council also cleared proposals for:
- Helicopters, including Special Utility Helicopters
- Air Defence Systems
- Weapons
- Mobile X-Band Doppler Weather Radar System
The helicopters will help the Air Force meet its air transport needs. Air defence systems and weapons will support its fighting abilities. The new radar system will provide detailed local weather information in forward areas. This can help forces understand weather conditions while carrying out operations.
