India's Defence Acquisition Council Approves ₹3.60 Lakh Crore Procurements

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) of India, led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved capital acquisition proposals totalling approximately ₹3.60 lakh crore. This significant clearance was granted on February 12, 2026, indicating a major step forward in the country’s military procurement efforts.

Among the key approvals are plans to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets from France for the Indian Air Force (IAF), as well as six P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft from the United States for the Indian Navy. According to the Ministry of Defence, the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the IAF involves not only the fighter jets but also combat missiles and an Air-Ship Based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (AS-HAPS).

The Rafale jets are expected to enhance the IAF's air superiority across various scenarios and bolster its long-range offensive capabilities. It is anticipated that a substantial portion of these jets will be manufactured in India, which aligns with the government's focus on boosting domestic defence production.

In addition to the Rafale jets, the approved procurement of combat missiles is intended to improve the IAF's precision strike capabilities during ground attacks, providing a deeper stand-off capability against potential threats. The AS-HAPS will serve multiple roles, including intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and electronic intelligence.

The DAC also granted AoN for the Indian Army to procure Vibhav anti-tank mines, designed to disrupt mechanised enemy forces. The overhaul of existing platforms, such as Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARVs), T-72 tanks, and Infantry Combat Vehicles (BMP-II), is aimed at enhancing their operational readiness and extending their service life.

For the Indian Navy, six additional P-8I aircraft will increase its long-range surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The council also approved a 4 MW Marine Gas Turbine-based Electric Power Generator under the Make-I category of the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020. This initiative aims to improve self-reliance in naval power generation and reduce dependency on foreign suppliers.

The Indian Coast Guard is set to benefit from the acquisition of Electro-Optical/Infra-Red (EO/IR) systems for its Dornier reconnaissance aircraft, enhancing its maritime surveillance and coastal security capabilities.

Overall, the approvals represent one of the largest sets of capital acquisition clearances in recent years, demonstrating the Indian government's commitment to modernising its military forces and promoting indigenisation in defence manufacturing. The acquisition initiatives are expected to contribute significantly to India's strategic defence posture and operational readiness in the evolving global security landscape.