Overview
- The Defence Acquisition Council, which met Friday, granted initial clearance for proposals worth about Rs 2.38 lakh crore to upgrade air, land and maritime capabilities.
- For the Air Force, the package covers five additional Russian S-400 air-defence systems, roughly 60 medium transport aircraft to replace ageing An-32 and Il-76 fleets, new remotely piloted strike aircraft, and overhaul work on Su-30 engines.
- For the Army, approvals include 300 indigenous Dhanush 155mm guns plus an air-defence tracked system, armour‑piercing tank ammunition, high‑capacity radio relays and a runway‑independent surveillance system.
- The Coast Guard won clearance for heavy‑duty air‑cushion vehicles for fast coastal patrols, rescues and logistics along shorelines and riverine zones.
- An AoN is not a contract, so the government now moves to pricing and negotiations; near‑term steps include delivery of India’s fourth S‑400 unit expected by April–May, and the ministry also signed separate Rs 858 crore deals for Tunguska systems and P‑8I depot work.