- The approvals were granted by the Defense Acquisition Council chaired by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh.
- The army will receive loitering munitions for precision strikes, long-range guided rockets to enhance the Pinaka multiple launch rocket system, and lightweight radars to detect low-flying drones.
- An integrated drone detection and interdiction system with extended range will be deployed to protect critical military assets and hinterland areas.
- The navy will procure bollard pull tugs to assist ships and submarines in harbor operations, along with high-frequency software-defined radios.
- The air force will acquire automatic take-off and landing recording systems to improve flight safety and data collection in all weather conditions.
- Additional air force acquisitions include Astra Mk-II air-to-air missiles, full mission simulators and SPICE-1000 long-range guidance kits.
- The purchases aim to enhance precision strike capability, air defense, situational awareness and operational safety.
- The decision follows recent regional tensions and increased focus on countering drone and aerial threats.
New Delhi, December 30, 2025 (Agencies) – India has approved defense acquisitions worth $8.8 billion in a move aimed at significantly enhancing the operational capabilities of its army, navy and air force, officials said.
The Defense Acquisition Council, chaired by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, gave final approval on Monday for the procurement of a wide range of military equipment, including rockets, radios, radars, loitering munitions and automatic take-off and landing recording systems.
According to the Defense Ministry, loitering munitions will be used for precision strikes against tactical targets, while lightweight low-level radars will improve the detection and tracking of small, low-flying unmanned aerial systems. The purchase of long-range guided rockets is expected to enhance the range and accuracy of the Pinaka multiple launch rocket system, enabling more effective engagement of high-value targets.
The ministry also approved an integrated drone detection and interdiction system with enhanced range to protect vital Indian Army assets in both tactical battle areas and the hinterland. The move follows India’s four-day military confrontation with Pakistan in May, during which multiple drones were launched across the border, according to Indian officials.
For the Indian Navy, the council cleared the acquisition of bollard pull tugs and high-frequency software-defined radios. The ministry said the tugs would assist naval ships and submarines in berthing, unberthing and maneuvering in confined harbor waters.
The Indian Air Force will receive an automatic take-off and landing recording system, Astra Mk-II air-to-air missiles, full mission simulators and SPICE-1000 long-range guidance kits. The ministry said the recording system would strengthen aerospace safety by providing high-definition, all-weather automatic data during take-off and landing, while the Astra Mk-II missiles would enhance the air force’s ability to neutralize enemy aircraft from extended stand-off ranges.
India has approved several major defense projects this year. In August, New Delhi cleared defense purchases worth about $7.6 billion, including additional BrahMos missiles, armed drones and upgrades to existing platforms.
India remains one of the world’s largest defense importers and has historically relied heavily on Russian military equipment and technology. Moscow continues to play a key role in India’s weapons indigenization efforts, with several Russian defense systems being manufactured in India under licensing agreements.