The Indian Army plans to replace its ageing T-72 tanks with FRCVs. (File photo)
New Delhi: The Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by the defence minister, Rajnath Singh, approved 10 capital acquisition proposals amounting to ₹1.45 lakh crore for the modernization of India’s armed forces, on Tuesday. The DAC’s approval includes a diverse range of acquisitions aimed at enhancing the operational readiness and technological edge of the Indian military.
Notably, 99 per cent of the total cost will be sourced from indigenous suppliers under the “Buy (Indian)” and “Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured)” categories.
According to a statement released by the defence ministry, Tuesday’s DAC approvals include the construction of seven advanced Shivalik-class stealth frigates under the Project 17B for the Indian Navy at a cost of approximately ₹70,000 crore. These new warships will further bolster India’s maritime capabilities, building upon the foundation laid by the ongoing Project 17A (Nilgiri-class frigates).
The contract for these frigates is expected to be awarded to two Indian shipyards, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), which are already involved in constructing frigates under Project 17A. The division of the order is anticipated, with MDL and GRSE likely sharing the construction responsibilities based on competitive bidding.
Another major proposal that the DAC passed is the procurement of future-ready combat vehicles (FRCVs). The FCRVs will replace the ageing T-72 tanks in the Indian Army’s armoured fleet. These FRCVs are designed to offer superior mobility, all-terrain capability, multi-layered protection, precision firepower, and real-time situational awareness.
This move is expected to significantly enhance the Army’s combat capabilities and operational efficiency.
In addition to the FRCVs, the DAC has approved the acquisition of air-defence fire-control radars (ADFCRs). These radars will play a crucial role in detecting and tracking aerial targets, providing accurate firing solutions to counter potential threats. The procurement of forward repair team (tracked) vehicles, designed for on-the-spot repairs during mechanized operations, has also been sanctioned. These vehicles, developed by Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited, will support both mechanized infantry battalions and armoured regiments.
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) will also benefit from this round of acquisitions. The DAC has approved the procurement of Dornier-228 aircraft, next-generation fast patrol vessels (NGFPVs), and next-generation offshore patrol vessels (NGOPVs). These boats will enhance the ICG’s capabilities in maritime surveillance, patrolling, search and rescue operations, and disaster relief efforts.
The approval of these proposals is seen as a major step towards enhancing the operational readiness and technological capabilities of the country’s armed forces and ensuring that they are well-equipped to meet new and emerging security challenges.
According to officials in the defence establishment, this latest round of comprehensive acquisition plan is a part of the government’s strategic focus on self-reliance in defence production and modernizing the armed forces. By prioritizing indigenous sources, the DAC aims to boost local manufacturing and reduce dependency on foreign suppliers, thereby strengthening India’s defence industrial base.
DAC pays tribute to Rakesh Pal
As the DAC meeting drew to a close, Rajnath Singh addressed the recent passing of Rakesh Pal, the director general of the Coast Guard. Pal, who was a member of the DAC dies a heart attack on August 18 in Chennai while still actively serving, as India Sentinels reported.
The defence minister spoke of Pal’s significant role in advancing and expanding the ICG. He expressed deep condolences and offered steadfast support to Pal's family in their time of grief. Then, all DAC members present rose to observe a moment of silence to honour the memory of their late colleague.
