New Delhi: Projects worth Rs 1.05 lakh crore for a wide array of military systems, including quick-reaction surface-to-air missiles (QRSAM), mine countermeasure vessels (MCMVs), electronic warfare (EW) systems, armoured recovery vehicles, naval moored mines and a tri-services logistics platforms were cleared by the defence ministry on Thursday.
In its first meeting since Operation Sindoor, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved a series of 10 capital acquisition proposals under the ‘Acceptance of Necessity’ (AoN) route, the first step in the defence procurement process. The duration of the procurement varies from case-to-case basis. The clearances cover the tri-services with a focus on enhancing mobility, firepower, logistics and maritime security.
The approvals include a wide range of systems. The statement by the ministry said that among them is the procurement of surface-to-air missiles that will strengthen India’s layered defence against threats from enemy aircraft, drones and missiles.
Sources said the surface-to-air missiles are the indigenously developed QRSAM (Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile) systems by DRDO, with the Army Air Defence (AAD) set to receive systems worth over Rs 30,000 crore. “With an operational range of around 30 kilometres, the system is capable of detecting, tracking and engaging targets even while in motion and is capable of launching missiles during brief stops. This mobility allows it to provide air defence cover to advancing military units without the need for long setup times,” explained sources.
The Navy received a significant portion of the approvals, including Mine Countermeasure Vessels (MCMVs) which are specialised ships designed to detect and neutralise sea mines, ensuring safe navigation for both military and commercial vessels.
To further counter such threats, moored mines, which sources described as underwater explosives anchored to the seabed to block enemy access to critical maritime areas, were also cleared. DRDO has developed a Processor Based Moored Mine (PBMM) which is capable of detecting and destroying surface and sub-surface threats by the acoustic/pressure influence anomaly generated by targets passing in proximity.
Also cleared by the ministry was the Super Rapid Gun Mount, a naval artillery system that can target both aerial and surface threats, and Submersible Autonomous Vessels—unmanned platforms that conduct undersea surveillance, mine detection, and anti-submarine operations with minimal risk to personnel.
For the Army, the DAC also approved Armoured Recovery Vehicles used to tow and repair damaged tanks and heavy vehicles in the field, vital for maintaining mobility in combat zones. New Electronic Warfare systems were also cleared, which will help the Armed Forces detect, disrupt and shield against hostile communications and radar, a key advantage in contemporary high-tech warfare.
A major tri-services system cleared under this package is the Integrated Common Inventory Management System (ICIMS), a unified logistics platform aimed at streamlining the storage and movement of critical supplies across the Army, Navy and Air Force. The system is expected to cut redundancy and improve supply chain efficiency.
The ministry in its statement clearly said that these systems were approved under ‘Buy’ (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured), a category under the Defence Acquisition Procedure that prioritises the acquisition of defence equipment designed, developed and produced within India.
(Edited by Viny Mishra)
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