DAC Clears Rs 52,000-Crore Defence Procurement Including Anti-Drone Systems and Air Defence Missiles

The Defence Acquisition Council chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved procurement of military hardware worth Rs 52,000 crore, in one of the most substantial single-session clearances of the year, as reported by Moneycontrol and confirmed by The Hindu. The package includes anti-drone systems, air defence missiles, and naval platforms — categories that have become priority acquisitions following India's evolving security assessments.

The approvals come at a time of heightened focus on border security and aerial threat management. Anti-drone technology in particular has surged in strategic importance, with Indian armed forces having identified gaps in low-altitude threat interception. The air defence missile systems approved are expected to bolster layered protection for key military and civilian installations.

Separately, a deal valued at Rs 5,000 crore covering 600 Hammer bombs and anti-tank missiles is also understood to be in line for imminent approval, sources indicated. Hammer bombs — precision-guided munitions — have gained visibility in global military doctrines following their deployment in several recent conflicts, and India's interest signals a push toward more precise strike capabilities.

The DAC clearances are a critical first step in defence procurement — they authorise the military to formally seek bids from vendors. With India's government pushing hard to indigenise defence production, how many of these contracts flow to domestic manufacturers under the Make in India defence initiative will be watched closely by the industry.