The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared a proposal on Friday to procure five additional S-400 long-range surface-to-air missile systems from Russia. The approvals, worth Rs 2.38 lakh crore, also include medium transport aircraft and other equipment for the Indian Air Force. The decision follows months of discussions and the S-400's demonstrated capability in Operation Sindoor.
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, cleared several key acquisition proposals on Friday worth about Rs 2.38 lakh crore. These include five additional S-400 long-range surface-to-air missile systems from Russia, which the Ministry of Defence said will counter enemy long-range air vectors targeting vital areas.
The approval for the S-400s comes months after discussions and four months following Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to India in December last year. India signed a $5.43 billion deal in 2018 for five squadrons; three have been delivered and deployed on borders facing Pakistan, with the remaining two expected later this year.
For the Indian Air Force, medium transport aircraft will replace ageing An-32 and Il-76 fleets to meet airlift needs. Remotely piloted strike aircraft, a DRDO programme, are expected in seven to eight years for offensive operations and intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance. Overhaul of Su-30 aero engines was also approved to extend service life.
The Army received nods for armoured piercing tank ammunition, Dhanush gun systems, air defence tracked systems, high capacity radio relay, and runway independent aerial surveillance systems. The MoD stated the Dhanush will enhance artillery's long-range engagement with greater lethality and accuracy.
The Indian Coast Guard got acceptance of necessity for heavy duty air cushion vehicles for patrolling, reconnaissance, search and rescue, and logistics.
In the 2025-26 financial year, DAC granted AoNs for 55 proposals totalling Rs 6.73 lakh crore. Capital contracts signed this fiscal year stand at 503 proposals worth Rs 2.28 lakh crore, the highest ever.
Additionally, MoD signed Rs 858 crore contracts: Rs 445 crore for Army's Tunguska air defence systems with Russia's JSC Rosoboronexport, and Rs 413 crore for P8I aircraft inspections with Boeing India Defence Private Ltd under 'Buy Indian'.
