India Approves Defense Spending of 3.60 Trillion Rupees to Strengthen Military Capabilities

In February, the Defence Acquisition Council, or DAC, approved a large plan to spend about 3.60 lakh crore rupees on defense equipment and upgrades. The DAC is led by the Defence Minister, and its decision will help modernize India’s Armed Forces. The main goal is to improve the ability of the military to defend the country better. The plan includes buying new aircraft, missiles, ships, and other equipment. It also involves upgrading existing vehicles and systems used by the Army, Navy, and Air Force. One of the big projects approved involves the Indian Air Force. It will receive approval to get 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft, or MRFA. Most of these aircraft will be made in India, boosting domestic defense manufacturing. The Air Force will also get new combat missiles. These will help it increase its ground-attack power from a distance. In addition, a special aircraft called the Air-Ship Based High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite, or AS-HAPS, has been approved. This system will help with ongoing intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, electronic intelligence, telecommunications, and remote sensing missions. The Indian Army will also see improvements. It has been approved to buy Anti-Tank Mines, known as Vibhav, which can be used to defend against enemy tanks. The Army will also update and repair some of its vehicles. This includes Armoured Recovery Vehicles, T-72 Tanks, and Infantry Combat Vehicles, specifically the BMP-II. These upgrades are meant to extend the life of these vehicles and make sure they work well during operations. The Indian Navy has received approval for new power systems. It will acquire four marine gas turbine-based electric power generators. These will help reduce the Navy’s dependence on outside suppliers and ensure it has reliable power at sea. Furthermore, the Navy will also buy P-8I Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft. These aircraft are important for anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance, and strike missions. They will strengthen India’s ability to detect and respond to threats at sea. The Coast Guard is also part of the plan. It will get new Electro-Optical/Infra-Red (EO/IR) systems to improve maritime surveillance. These systems will help coast guards monitor the oceans more effectively. This large approval shows the government’s commitment to strengthening the Indian military across all domains—land, sea, and air. The moves are also aimed at making India more self-reliant in defense technology so it can produce more of its equipment domestically. Some important details include the total budget approval of 3.60 lakh crore rupees, which covers the buying and upgrading of various defense systems. This decision was announced in early February and highlights the government’s focus on quick modernization. This change is significant because it enhances India’s defense capabilities and prepares the country better for future security challenges. It also supports India’s goal of increasing its defense manufacturing within the country, which can help create jobs and boost the economy. In summary, the approval of this large defense budget reflects a major effort by India to build stronger, more modern military forces. It encompasses new aircraft, weapons, ships, and upgrades that will improve India’s ability to protect its borders and interests across the oceans and on land. This move aims to ensure that India’s armed forces are well-prepared and self-reliant in the years to come.