New Delhi: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), under the chairmanship of Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for various capital acquisition proposals of the Services at an estimated value of about ₹3.60 lakh crore on February 12, 2026.
The landmark approvals by the Defence Acquisition Council aim to significantly enhance the combat readiness and operational capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces.
Defence Acquisition Council Approves Key Acquisitions for Indian Air Force
For the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Defence Acquisition Council approved AoN for the procurement of Multi Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) {Rafale}, Combat Missiles, and Air-Ship Based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (AS-HAPS).
The procurement of MRFA will enhance the capability of undertaking air dominance roles across the spectrum of conflict and significantly boost the deterrence capabilities of the IAF with long-range offensive strikes.
The majority of MRFA to be procured will be manufactured in India.
The Combat Missiles will enhance the stand-off ground attack capability with deep strike power and very high accuracy.
The AS-HAPS will be utilised towards carrying out persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Electronic Intelligence, telecommunication and remote sensing for military purposes.
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Defence Acquisition Council Clears Indian Army Modernisation Proposals
For the Indian Army, AoN was accorded for the procurement of Anti-Tank Mines (Vibhav) and overhaul of vehicle platforms of Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARVs), T-72 Tanks and Infantry Combat Vehicles (BMP-II).
Vibhav mines will be laid as an anti-tank obstacle system to delay the advance of enemy mechanised forces.
The overhaul of vehicle platforms of ARVs, T-72 Tanks and BMP-II will enhance the service life of equipment, ensuring readiness and operational effectiveness of the Indian Army.
Defence Acquisition Council Approves Naval Power Enhancements
For the Indian Navy, the Defence Acquisition Council cleared AoN for a 04 MW Marine Gas Turbine-based Electric Power Generator and P8I Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft.
Induction of the 04 MW Marine Gas Turbine-based Electric Power Generator under the Make-I category of the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 will minimise dependency on foreign manufacturers and ensure self-reliance in power generation requirements of the Indian Navy.
The acquisition of P8I aircraft will significantly boost the Navy’s combat and war-fighting capability in long-range anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance, and maritime strike operations.
Defence Acquisition Council Strengthens Indian Coast Guard Surveillance
For the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), AoN was accorded for the procurement of Electro-Optical/Infra-Red systems for Dornier aircraft.
The procurement will assist in enhancing the efficacy of maritime surveillance capability of the Indian Coast Guard.
