🏛️ Polity
Defence council clears ₹2.12 lakh crore of new weapons and helicopters
In 60 seconds: The Defence Acquisition Council, led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved proposals worth ₹2.12 lakh crore. The biggest is nearly 200 Light Multi-Role Helicopters for the Army and Air Force, to be made in India. The list also includes 323 more K9 Vajra artillery guns upgraded for cold, high-altitude areas, air defence systems, anti-drone systems, VVIP helicopters and naval decoys.
Why it matters
These buys shape how ready the forces are along the northern borders and at sea, and making them in India builds the domestic defence industry.
Explain it simply
Before buying anything big for the chai stall, the partners first agree it's needed and set a budget. The DAC's approval is that first 'yes'; the actual orders come later.
The 3-minute read
What happened
The Army gets more K9 Vajra guns, Very Short-Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS), counter-drone systems and long-range surveillance and attack drones. The Air Force gets 24 Special Utility Helicopters for VVIPs and mobile weather radars. The Navy gets an Active Offboard Decoy System against anti-ship missiles.
Background
The DAC gives the first approval, called Acceptance of Necessity, before contracts are signed. Officials said the helicopter order may be split between two bidders, who would set up assembly lines in India.
How it works
Tata Advanced Systems with Airbus and Adani Defence and Aerospace with Leonardo are seen as frontrunners for the helicopters. The 24 VVIP helicopters are likely to be bought from abroad because the number is small.
What's next
The ministry will now issue tenders and negotiate contracts, which usually takes months to years.
What it means for you
Defence manufacturing in India creates jobs in engineering, electronics and aviation, including at suppliers in many states.
Key numbers
- ₹2.12 lakh cr: Value of proposals approved
- ~200: Light Multi-Role Helicopters
- 323: Additional K9 Vajra guns
- 24: VVIP helicopters for the Air Force
Both sides
- Defence ministry: The new systems will improve mobility, firepower and air defence, with production in India.
- Defence analysts: Approval is only the first step; contracts and deliveries often take years.
Key terms explained
- Defence Acquisition Council
- The top body, chaired by the Defence Minister, that approves major military purchases.
- K9 Vajra
- A tracked self-propelled artillery gun built in India.
The story so far
- 2001: Defence Acquisition Council set up after the Kargil review. After the 1999 Kargil war, a Group of Ministers recommended reforms in defence management. The Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by the Defence Minister, was set up in 2001 to approve major purchases.
- 2017: Army orders its first K9 Vajra self-propelled guns. In 2017 the Army ordered 100 K9 Vajra tracked self-propelled howitzers, built in India by L&T with South Korea's Hanwha. A second batch followed in 2024.
- Today: DAC clears ₹2.12 lakh crore proposals
Exam notes (UPSC, SSC, Banking, PSC)
- The Defence Acquisition Council is chaired by the Defence Minister and approves capital purchases for the armed forces.
- Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) is the first approval in the defence procurement process.
- K9 Vajra is a tracked self-propelled howitzer made in India by L&T with South Korea's Hanwha.
- VSHORADS are very short-range air defence systems, usually shoulder-fired missiles.
Likely exam question: What is the role of the Defence Acquisition Council? How does 'Make in India' feature in recent defence purchases?