Indian Defence Procurement: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is scheduled to make critical decisions on Friday regarding several high-value proposals aimed at enhancing India’s military capabilities. The agenda, reported by ANI citing sources, includes the procurement of 60 Medium Transport Aircraft, additional S-400 air defence systems, indigenous unmanned combat aircraft squadrons, and a large stock of long-range BrahMos cruise missiles. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will chair the meeting, attended by the Chief of Defence Staff, all three service chiefs, and senior officials from the Defence Ministry.
The developments mark a significant milestone in Indian defence procurement, signaling a strategic push to strengthen both air defence and long-range strike capabilities.
Focus on Air Defence: S-400 Units to be Expanded
A key proposal under consideration involves acquiring five additional units of the S-400 Sudarshan air defence system. This follows the Indian Air Force’s ongoing efforts in Russia to receive the fourth squadron under the previous five-unit deal. The fourth unit is expected to arrive between April and May, while the fifth is scheduled for November–December.
During Operation Sindoor, the S-400 system was credited with intercepting multiple Pakistani fighter jets and a high-value surveillance aircraft, achieving one of the longest-range aerial interceptions in IAF history, with targets struck at over 300 kilometres. The expansion of S-400 units underlines the growing emphasis on Indian defence procurement focused on long-range aerial threats.
Indigenous Unmanned Combat Aircraft and BrahMos Missiles
The DAC is expected to approve the induction of four squadrons of indigenous Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft (unmanned combat jets), which will strengthen India’s long-range precision strike capabilities and surveillance reach. Simultaneously, the Indian Army’s plan to acquire additional BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, capable of striking targets up to 800 kilometres away, will be considered.
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Experts say that these decisions reflect the government’s broader strategy to boost Indian defence procurement, combining indigenous innovation with advanced imported systems to maintain technological edge and strategic deterrence.
Medium Transport Aircraft Acquisition Highlights Strategic Indian Defence Procurement Efforts
Under the Medium Transport Aircraft programme, the Indian Air Force is evaluating bids to acquire 60 aircraft from global manufacturers including Embraer (Brazil), Lockheed Martin (USA), and Ilyushin (Russia). These transport aircraft are critical for improving both tactical and strategic lift capabilities, highlighting the scope of ongoing Indian defence procurement efforts.
Strengthening Indigenous Air Defence: Project Kusha
In addition, the Indian Air Force has already received approval for five squadrons of long-range surface-to-air missile systems developed under DRDO’s Project Kusha. This initiative reflects the government’s focus on strengthening domestic defence manufacturing and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers, further reinforcing the strategic significance of Indian defence procurement.