Defence minister clears ₹2.38 lakh crore defence buys; FY26 approvals hit ₹6.73 lakh crore

Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Friday, March 27, cleared defence deals worth about ₹2.38 lakh crore, aimed at boosting logistics, air defence, and communication systems, among others. With this, the total approvals in the current financial year rise to 55 proposals worth ₹6.73 lakh crore.The minister granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the proposals during a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), marking the second high-level meeting with the country’s top military brass held in a span of three days. DAC, the country’s top decision-maker for defence procurement, approved Air Defence Tracked System, Armoured Piercing Tank Ammunition, High Capacity Radio Relay, Dhanush Gun System and Runway Independent Aerial Surveillance System for the Indian Army, ANI reported. The council also approved plans to induct indigenous Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft into the Indian Air Force. Approvals were also given to buy new medium transport aircraft, S-400 air defence systems, remotely piloted strike drones, and to upgrade Su-30 fighter jet engines.The new transport aircraft will replace the ageing AN-32 and IL-76 fleet, helping the forces move troops and equipment more efficiently for strategic and operational needs.The minister also cleared Heavy Duty Air Cushion Vehicles for the Indian Coast Guard to be used in operational roles, including high-speed coastal patrolling, reconnaissance, and search and rescue operations, among others.Singh last chaired a high-level meeting to review India’s security and defence preparedness on March 24.  Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chairman Samir Kamat, along with other senior officials, were all in attendance. Also Read: India, Russia look to resume direct LNG sale for first time since beginning of Ukraine war: report 
First Published: Mar 27, 2026 2:22 PM IST

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