India clears $8.8 billion defense buys as regional security pressures mount |
India has approved a fresh round of defense acquisitions worth approximately $8.8 billion, underlining New Delhi’s determination to rapidly modernize its armed forces amid rising regional tensions and fast-changing modes of warfare. The decision, cleared by the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) on December 29 under the chairmanship of Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, spans a wide array of systems for the army, navy, and air force, ranging from rockets and radars to drones, missiles, and advanced aviation safety equipment.
Officials say the latest approvals are designed to significantly enhance India’s combat readiness, surveillance capability, and force protection, particularly in light of recent confrontations and the growing prominence of drones and precision-guided weapons on the modern battlefield.
A substantial portion of the approved purchases is aimed at strengthening the Indian Army’s ability to operate in contested environments. Among the most notable items are loitering munitions, long-range guided rockets, lightweight low-level radars, and an upgraded integrated drone detection and interdiction system.
The Defense Ministry said loitering munitions—often described as “kamikaze drones”—will be used for precision strikes against tactical targets. These systems have become a defining feature of recent conflicts, offering relatively low-cost yet highly accurate strike options against enemy positions, vehicles, and infrastructure.
Long-range guided rockets will enhance the reach and accuracy of India’s Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MRLS), allowing forces to engage high-value targets from greater distances. This reflects a broader shift toward stand-off capabilities, reducing the exposure of troops while increasing battlefield effectiveness.
Equally significant is the emphasis on counter-drone capabilities. Lightweight, low-level radars approved under the........