The Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) authorized massive defense spending worth ₹54,000 crore for weapons and systems in a major Indian military modernization step. The Defense Acquisition Council delivered its decision on March 20, 2025, to allocate a large sum worth ₹7,000 crore for 307 domestic artillery guns following another major approval the previous day. Defense production-independent initiatives form a key part of India’s current national strategic goals.
The Strategic Significance
The Indian military received clearance to acquire vital defense assets comprising Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) systems and torpedoes and tank engines. These acquisitions operate beyond regular purchase mechanics because they bring capabilities enabling India to transform its defense mobility.
In particular, the AEW&C systems warrant specific attention. The Defense Ministry refers to these systems as “capability enhancers that possess the power to raise exponentially the combat capability of all weapon systems.” These systems operate as airborne sensors that detect enemy aircraft while monitoring missiles and drones all across wide surveillance areas to offer vital early warning functions and command control.
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The Indian AEW&C program started its domestic development path when the first Netra system became operational in February 2017 through the usage of Brazilian Embraer-145 aircraft. Three Netra Mk-1A systems currently serve the Indian Air Force through aerial surveillance operations, and plans exist to acquire six additional Netra Mk-1A systems while simultaneously procuring six advanced systems designed for Airbus A321 aircraft purposes.
Ground Forces Upgrades
The approval of 1350 HP engines by the army for T-90 tank upgrades remains equally important for their ground forces operations. The technical upgrade provides troops with increased mobility across battlefields but specifically benefits high-altitude regions, which are essential to Indian defense operations against mountain territory threats.
Naval Enhancements
The navy hasn’t been left behind, with additional Varunastra torpedoes set to enhance its underwater warfare capabilities. Indigenous development of such advanced weaponry demonstrates India’s growing technological prowess in sensitive defense domains.
Addressing Procurement Challenges
Perhaps as important as the acquisitions themselves is the DAC’s approval of guidelines to reduce timelines in the capital acquisition process. This addresses a long-standing concern vocalized by Chief of Defense Staff General Anil Chauhan, who recently highlighted how “slow defense procurement procedures in India” impact “the absorption of new technologies.”
With the Defense Ministry declaring 2025 as the “year of reforms” and identifying nine areas for focused intervention, including simpler weapons buying procedures, there seems to be a genuine push to streamline acquisition processes.
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The Bigger Picture
These developments must be viewed within the broader context of India’s defense strategy. The emphasis on indigenous development aligns with the ‘Make in India’ initiative, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers while building domestic expertise and manufacturing capabilities.
Moreover, these acquisitions reflect a response to evolving regional security dynamics. The focus on mobility enhancement, early warning systems, and naval capabilities suggests a holistic approach to defense preparedness.
As India continues its rise as a global power, its military modernization efforts will remain crucial not just for national security but also for its geopolitical positioning. The latest DAC approvals represent not merely hardware acquisitions but strategic investments in the nation’s defense architecture for decades to come.
