The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoNs) for eight capital acquisition proposals worth over ₹54,000 crore. The approvals, aimed at strengthening the Indian Armed Forces, include key procurements for the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
For the Indian Army, the DAC approved the procurement of 1,350 HP engines to upgrade the existing 1,000 HP engines in T-90 tanks. This enhancement is expected to improve battlefield mobility, particularly in high-altitude areas, by increasing the tanks’ power-to-weight ratio.
For the Indian Navy, the council sanctioned the procurement of Varunastra torpedoes, an indigenously developed ship-launched anti-submarine weapon. Designed by the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory, these torpedoes will strengthen the Navy’s capabilities in countering submarine threats.
For the Indian Air Force, the DAC approved the acquisition of Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft systems. These advanced surveillance aircraft serve as force multipliers, significantly enhancing combat readiness and operational effectiveness across the battlefield.
As part of the Ministry of Defence’s initiative to celebrate 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms’, the DAC also approved new guidelines aimed at streamlining the capital acquisition process. The revised framework seeks to reduce timelines at various procurement stages, ensuring faster, more efficient, and effective defense acquisitions.
