India has taken another step toward strengthening its air defense and counter-drone capabilities after approving a series of defense acquisition proposals worth an estimated Rs520 billion ($5.5 billion).
The approvals were granted by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, under the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) process. The package includes new counter-UAS capabilities, surface-to-air missile systems and additional air defense assets for the Indian Army, alongside other modernization programs for the Navy and Air Force.
Counter-drone and air defense capabilities prioritized
Among the most significant approvals is the procurement of the Akash Tarang anti-UAV electronic warfare system, which is designed to detect, track and disrupt hostile drones using electronic countermeasures. According to the Indian Defence Research Wing, the system targets the radio frequencies used to control unmanned aircraft, allowing operators to jam or interfere with their operation.
The Indian Army will also receive new Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MR-SAM) weapon systems to strengthen protection against a range of airborne threats.
The DAC also approved procurement of the Very Short Range Air Defence System (V-SHORADS), which incorporates multi-spectral sensors intended to improve resilience against countermeasures while enhancing engagement effectiveness against aerial targets.
The approval follows successful trials of V-SHORADS conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at the Integrated Test Range earlier this year.
Additional battlefield capabilities approved
Alongside the air defense programs, the council approved the acquisition of jet-based kamikaze drone systems for the Army, as well as man-portable anti-tank guided missiles and active protection systems for armored vehicles.
The loitering munition capability is intended to expand the Army’s electronic warfare and precision strike options, while the active protection systems are designed to improve the survivability of tanks against modern threats.
Navy and Air Force modernization
The Indian Navy also received approval to acquire Naval Shipborne Unmanned Aerial Systems (NSUAS), which will provide enhanced intelligence, surveillance and situational awareness through advanced onboard sensors.
Additional approvals include Multi Influence Ground Mines and the establishment of a land-based testing facility for electric propulsion systems.
For the Indian Air Force, the DAC approved the procurement of fixed-wing High Altitude Pseudo Satellites (FW-HAPS), which are intended to support persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, telecommunications and remote sensing operations.
Continued investment in layered air defense
The latest approvals build on India’s broader effort to modernize its layered air defense network. In March, the DAC approved procurement proposals worth approximately Rs2.38 trillion ($25.14 billion), including the Air Defence Tracked System and additional S-400 long-range surface-to-air missile systems.
The acquisitions also follow a significant increase in India’s defense spending. In February, the government allocated Rs7.85 trillion to the Ministry of Defence in the 2026-27 Union Budget, representing a 15.19 percent increase over the previous year’s estimate.
The latest procurement package highlights India’s continued focus on strengthening its ability to detect, disrupt and defeat aerial threats, particularly as drones and other unmanned systems play an increasingly prominent role in modern conflicts.
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Post Image – DRDO conducts V-SHORAD trials (Post Image Credit: Indian Ministry of Defence)
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