India clears defence acquisition proposals worth USD22.2 billion
The K-9 Vajra-T self-propelled howitzer in service with the Indian Army. (Janes/Kapil Kajal)
India's Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved in principle military acquisition proposals valued at about INR2.12 trillion (USD22.2 billion).
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said on 26 October that approximately 82% of the procurement would be sourced from domestic industry, supporting New Delhi's efforts to strengthen local defence manufacturing capabilities.
The approvals, known as Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) in India, represent the first stage of the country's defence procurement process and do not constitute contract awards. The proposed acquisitions could take years to complete the subsequent stages of tendering, evaluation, negotiation, and final approval.
For the Indian Army, the DAC approved the procurement of high-mobility vehicles (HMVs) to improve operational mobility and logistical support in challenging terrain; a self-propelled tracked gun system to provide mechanised formations with comparable mobility and firepower; and a gunshot response system (GSRS) to enhance real-time situational awareness.
The Indian Army has previously received procurement approvals for HMVs. In September, the DAC approved the vehicles as part of a broader INR1.1 trillion acquisition package. In 2025 the government also announced the procurement approval of 327 high-mobility 6×6 gun-towing vehicles alongside 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS), with an estimated combined value of INR70 billion.
The Indian Army already operates the K9 Vajra-T, a 155 mm/52 calibre tracked self-propelled howitzer. In December 2024, the MoD signed a INR76.2 billion contract with Larsen & Toubro for additional K9 Vajra-T guns. The Indian Army inducted its first K9 Vajra-T guns in 2018.
The DAC also approved light multirole helicopters (LMRHs), a very-short-range air-defence system (VSHORADS), and a platform-based counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) for the army.
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