In a major step towards bolstering India&rsquo;s defence preparedness and promoting indigenous manufacturing, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved capital procurement proposals worth a staggering ₹1.03 lakh crore. The approval, granted on Thursday, covers a range of advanced weapon systems and military equipment for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The DAC, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, gave &lsquo;Acceptance of Necessity&rsquo; (AoN) for 10 major capital acquisition proposals, all under the &lsquo;Buy (Indian &ndash; IDDM)&rsquo; category, the highest priority procurement route under India's defence procurement policy. IDDM stands for Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured, reflecting the government&rsquo;s push to make India self-reliant in defence production.
<h3 dir="ltr">What Will Be Procured?</h3>
Among the equipment and systems approved for procurement are:
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Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARVs) for the Army, designed to provide battlefield support by towing damaged tanks and armoured vehicles. 
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Advanced Electronic Warfare (EW) systems for all three services, which will enhance the military&rsquo;s ability to intercept and jam enemy communications. 
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Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs) capable of neutralising incoming aerial threats, especially for frontline air defence units. 
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These platforms are expected to be developed and produced by Indian defence firms, including public sector units and private players. The move will also strengthen the ecosystem of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that serve as suppliers and innovators within the larger defence framework.
<h3 dir="ltr">A Strategic Boost</h3>
The announcement comes amid India&rsquo;s increasing focus on modernising its armed forces while reducing dependence on foreign suppliers. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has consistently stressed the importance of strategic autonomy in defence production. By clearing all proposals under the Indian-IDDM category, the DAC sends a strong message of commitment to the &lsquo;Aatmanirbhar Bharat&rsquo; initiative.
According to defence analysts, the scale of this approval shows that the government is keen to expedite the procurement of critical systems even as global security challenges evolve. It also comes at a time when India&rsquo;s borders remain sensitive, with continued emphasis on strengthening land, air, and maritime defence infrastructure.
<h3 dir="ltr">Who Benefits?</h3>
This is a huge opportunity for Indian defence manufacturers such as BEL, HAL, BEML, and private firms like Tata Advanced Systems, Larsen &amp; Toubro, and Bharat Forge, among others. The announcement is expected to trigger new orders, partnerships, and technological upgrades across the Indian defence industrial base.
This ₹1.03 lakh crore push for indigenous defence equipment is not just a boost to India&rsquo;s military capabilities&mdash;it is also a strategic investment in economic growth, innovation, and national security. As these projects move into the execution phase, they will generate jobs, stimulate R&amp;D, and help India take a firmer step towards becoming a global defence manufacturing hub.
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India Approves ₹1.03 Lakh Crore Defence Buys to Boost Domestic Industry

DAC clears 10 key acquisition proposals under ‘Buy Indian-IDDM’ to strengthen military self-reliance

India Approves ₹1.03 Lakh Crore Defence Buys to Boost Domestic Industry

DAC clears 10 key acquisition proposals under ‘Buy Indian-IDDM’ to strengthen military self-reliance

July 3, 2025 | 19:04 IST