Why in news?
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared procurement proposals worth nearly ₹3.6 lakh crore to strengthen India’s armed forces. The approvals cover aircraft, missiles, naval systems and equipment for the army, navy and air force, reflecting the government’s focus on self‑reliance and modernisation.
Background
The DAC is the Defence Ministry’s top decision‑making body for acquisitions. Formed in 2001 after the Kargil War, it ensures that procurement meets the services’ capability requirements within the allocated budget. The council is chaired by the Defence Minister and includes the Chief of Defence Staff and the chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force. Its functions include approving long‑term perspective plans, granting “Acceptance of Necessity” for acquisition proposals, deciding procurement categories (Buy, Buy & Make, Make) and overseeing technology transfer and offset provisions.
Details of the February 2026 approvals
According to the Defence Ministry, the DAC accorded Acceptance of Necessity for a wide range of procurements:
- Indian Air Force: Acquisition of multi‑role fighter aircraft (MRFA) — Rafale jets produced largely in India — to enhance air dominance capabilities; new combat missiles; and an air‑ship based high‑altitude pseudo‑satellite platform for surveillance.
- Indian Army: Procurement of anti‑tank mines (Vibhav) and overhaul of armoured recovery vehicles, T‑72 tanks and infantry combat vehicles.
- Indian Navy: Approval for marine gas turbine‑based electric power generators and additional P‑8I long‑range maritime patrol aircraft.
- Indian Coast Guard: Electro‑optical/infra‑red systems for Dornier aircraft; the Ministry also signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for eight Dornier‑228 aircraft equipped with mission equipment, reinforcing maritime patrol and search‑and‑rescue capabilities.
- Make‑in‑India emphasis: The majority of procurement will be manufactured within India, supporting the domestic defence industry and contributing to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Source: News On AIR