India's Defence Acquisition Council to Make Key Military Procurement Decisions

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is set to make crucial decisions on several procurement proposals aimed at enhancing India's military capabilities. According to sources, the agenda includes the acquisition of 60 medium transport aircraft, additional S-400 air defense systems, new unmanned combat aerial vehicle squadrons, and a substantial stockpile of long-range BrahMos cruise missiles. The meeting will be chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and will include the Chief of Defence Staff, heads of the three armed forces, and senior officials from the Ministry of Defence.

Among the most significant proposals awaiting approval is the purchase of five additional units of the S-400 air defense system. This comes at a time when teams from the Indian Air Force are in Russia to receive the fourth squadron under the previous deal for five units. The fourth unit is expected to arrive between April and May, while the fifth squadron is anticipated to reach India around November or December. During Operation Sindoor, the S-400 system successfully intercepted several Pakistani fighter jets and a high-value surveillance aircraft. Officials have described this action as one of the longest-range aerial interception operations achieved by the Indian Air Force, reportedly targeting objectives over 300 kilometers away. This system has also been utilized to counter threats from cruise and ballistic missiles launched across the border.

The DAC is likely to approve a proposal from the Indian Air Force to include approximately four squadrons of indigenous remotely piloted strike aircraft, commonly referred to as unmanned combat jets. This initiative is expected to enhance long-range precision strike capabilities and significantly improve surveillance capabilities. Sources indicate that the Indian Army's plan to procure a large number of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, each capable of striking targets up to 800 kilometers away, will also be considered for approval. Another major proposal under consideration is the approval for the purchase of 300 indigenous Dhanush howitzers.

Under the medium transport aircraft program, the Indian Air Force is reviewing bids for the acquisition of 60 aircraft, with major global manufacturers such as Brazil's Embraer, American company Lockheed Martin, and Russia's Ilyushin emerging as key contenders. These aircraft will play a vital role in enhancing both strategic and tactical transport capabilities.

It is noteworthy that the Indian Air Force has already received approval from DRDO for five squadrons of long-range surface-to-air missile systems developed under the Kusha project. This reflects the government's broader efforts to bolster domestic defense manufacturing and reduce external dependencies in critical areas.