The Defence Acquisition
Council, under the chairmanship of Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, accorded
Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for various proposals of the Services at an
estimated value of about Rs 3.60 lakh crore, on 12 February 2026. For the Indian Air Force (IAF), AoN was approved for the procurement of Multi Role
Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) Rafale, combat missiles and air-ship based high
altitude pseudo satellite (AS-HAPS). The majority of MRFA to
be procured will be manufactured in India. The combat missiles will enhance the
stand-off ground attack capability with deep strike power and very high
accuracy. The AS-HAPS will be utilised towards carrying out persistent Intelligence,
Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Electronic Intelligence, telecommunication and
remote sensing for military purposes.
For the Indian Army,
AoN was accorded for the procurement of anti-tank mines (Vibhav) and overhaul
of vehicle platforms of armoured recovery vehicles (ARVs), T-72 tanks and
infantry combat vehicles (BMP-II). Vibhav mines will be laid as anti-tank
obstacle system to delay the advance of enemy mechanised forces. The overhaul
of vehicle platforms of ARVs, T-72 tanks and BMP-II will enhance service life
of equipment ensuring readiness and operational effectiveness of the Indian
Army.
For the Indian Navy,
AoN was cleared for 4 MW Marine Gas Turbine based Electric Power Generator and
P8I long range maritime reconnaissance aircraft. Induction of 4 MW Marine Gas
Turbine based Electric Power Generator under Make-I category of Defence
Acquisition Procedure 2020 will minimise the dependency on foreign
manufacturers, ensure self-reliance in power generation requirement of Indian
Navy. The acquisition of P8I aircraft will significantly boost the Navy’s
combat/war-fighting capability of long range anti-submarine warfare, maritime
surveillance and maritime strike capability.
For the Indian Coast
Guard (ICG), AoN was accorded for the procurement of electro-optical/infra-red
system for Dornier aircraft. The procurement will assist in enhancing the
efficacy of maritime surveillance capability of the ICG.
Cntracts
for ALH Mk-III (MR) and VL-Shtil missiles
Ministry of Defence, on 3 March 2026, signed for the acquisition
of six HAL Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III (Maritime Role) for the
Indian Coast Guard (worth Rs 2,901 crore) and surface-to-air vertical launch
Shtil missiles for the Indian Navy. The contract for the procurement of Shtil
missiles and associated missile holding frames, valued at Rs 2,182 crore, has
been signed with JSC Rosoboronexport, Russian Federation.
Contract
with HAL for 8 Dornier 228s
Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Hindustan
Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Transport Aircraft Division, Kanpur for the
acquisition of eight Dornier 228 Aircraft along with Operational Role Equipment
for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) at a cost of Rs 2,312 crore under Buy (Indian)
category on 12 February 2026.
