In a major leap for national security, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Friday granted initial approval (Acceptance of Necessity) for procurements totaling ₹2.38 lakh crore. The centerpiece of this modernization drive is the acquisition of five additional S-400 Triumf (Sudarshan) air defence squadrons from Russia and a massive project to replace the Air Force’s aging transport workhorses.
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This decision comes as the Ministry of Defence reports a record-breaking financial year, with total approvals in 2025-26 reaching ₹6.73 lakh crore.
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Air Force: Strengthening the “Sudarshan Chakra”
The IAF’s plan to double its S-400 fleet from five to ten units follows the system’s “game-changing” performance during Operation Sindoor in May 2025.
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Proven Lethality: During the conflict, the S-400 was credited with a world-record surface-to-air kill, reportedly neutralizing a Pakistani high-value aerial platform at a range of 300 km.
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Airlift Overhaul: The DAC cleared the procurement of 60 Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA). These will replace the decades-old AN-32 and IL-76 fleets.
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The Contenders: Lockheed Martin (C-130J), Embraer (KC-390), and Airbus (A-400M).
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Make in India: 48 of these 60 aircraft are slated for domestic production
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Strike Drones: Approval was also granted for four squadrons of Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft (UCAVs) to enhance stealth surveillance and precision strike capabilities.
Army: Artillery and Armor Upgrades
The Indian Army is set for a significant firepower boost, particularly along the Northern and Western borders:
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Dhanush Gun System: A follow-on order for 300 units of the indigenous 155mm howitzer was cleared.
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Anti-Tank Lethality: New armor-piercing ammunition will be procured to enhance the combat edge of India’s tank regiments.
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Runway-Independent Surveillance: To navigate difficult terrain, the Army will receive specialized drones that do not require traditional runways for launch or recovery.
2025-26: A Landmark Year for Defence
| Metric | Achievement (FY 2025-26) |
| Total Approvals (AoN) | ₹6.73 Lakh Crore (55 Proposals) |
| Contracts Signed | ₹2.28 Lakh Crore (503 Proposals) |
| S-400 Expansion | +5 Squadrons (Total 10) |
| MTA Project | 60 Aircraft (48 to be Made in India) |
Investigative Insight: The “Follow-On” Strategy
By categorizing the new S-400 purchase as a “follow-on” order, New Delhi is strategically navigating the complex web of international sanctions (CAATSA). This terminology suggests that the procurement is an extension of existing infrastructure rather than a “new” platform integration, potentially mitigating diplomatic friction. Furthermore, the inclusion of the Pantsir-S1 air defence tracked system is a tactical necessity; these systems are often deployed specifically to protect S-400 batteries from low-cost “swarming” drones and precision munitions.
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