The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisition proposals worth approximately ₹1.10 lakh crore. The major clearance will strengthen the modernisation of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, with a significant 98% of the total procurement value allocated to the domestic defence industry, reinforcing India’s drive towards self-reliance in defence production. The Ministry of Defence stated that DAC has accorded the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the following:

  • Chemical, Biological, Radiological & Nuclear (CBRN) Recce vehicles
  • High Mobility Vehicles
  • Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH)
  • Self Propelled Mechanical Mine Layers (MML)
  • Trawl Tanks
  • Sarvatra Bridge System
  • Arudhra Radars
  • Marine Gas Turbines

Out of the total AoNs accorded, 98% of procurements will be made from Indian industry.

Watch : DAC Approves ₹ 1.1 Lakh Crore Defence Acquisition Proposals

Is Grant of AoN = Final Order?

No. The grant of AoN is the first step in defence procurement. After the grant of AoN, the formal acquisition process begins. This includes Request for Proposals, Field evaluations, Commercial biddings & contract negotiations.

Equipments & their Capabilities

S. No.EquipmentCapability
1CBRN recce vehiclesDetecting, identifying, monitoring & marking areas contaminated with CBRN agents
2HMVsEnhance operational capabilities, logistics support & mobility in challenging terrains.
3MMLsAchieve the desired operational capability in terms of fast & responsive minelaying in difficult terrains.
4ALHsExecute complex missions across all terrains and operational situations.
5Trawl Tanks & Bridge systemsTo provide composite crossings to fighting formations during operations in varied terrains.
6Arudhra RadarIt has electronic steering in both azimuth & elevation for surveillance, detection & tracking of aerial objects. It replaces the existing air route surveillance radars at various Naval stations.
7Marine Gas TurbinesIt is a warship propulsion system.

Approval was also accorded for procuring Ground-Based Multi-Purpose Jammer (GBMPJ) and installing Defence Forces Secure Access Card (DEFSAC) System. The GBMPJ will provide effective jamming against radars of adversaries and DEFSAC will replace existing paper-based Identity Card/Passes/Permits with an interoperable Radio Frequency Identification-based smart card system.

About DAC

It is the apex decision-making body for capital acquisitions for armed forces (Army, Navy, Air Force & Coast Guard).

Establishment

It was established in 2001 after the Kargil War on the recommendations of the Group of Ministers on reforming the “National Security System”.

Members of DAC

  • It is chaired by the Defence Minister.
  • Chief of Defence Staff
  • Chiefs of Army, Navy, Air Force & Indian Coast Guard.

Conclusion

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on 7 September 2026 had defence procurement proposals worth 1.10 lakh crore for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The approval is called Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), which is the in-principle administrative approval for defence. The Indian Army will get equipment such as CBRN reconnaissance vehicles, High Mobility Vehicles, Advanced light helicopters, mechanical mine layers, and trawl tanks, and the Sarvatra Bridge System. The Navy has been equipped with Arudhra radars and is developing the procurement of Marine Gas Turbines, which will reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. The air force will receive systems including ground-based multi-purpose jammers to strengthen electronic warfare capabilities. The major feature of the decision is that around 98% of the approved procurements will be sourced from Indian industries. It will support Aatmanirbhar Bharat by supporting domestic defence manufacturing and reducing dependence on imports.