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Rajnath Singh-led Defence Acquisition Council approves 10 tri-services proposals worth Rs 1.05 lakh
India's top defence procurement body on Thursday approved ten proposals worth Rs 1.05 lakh crore aimed at strengthening the capabilities of the Army, Navy and Air Force through domestically produced systems, the Ministry of Defence said.
In its first meeting since Operation Sindoor, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, granted 'Acceptance of Necessity' (AoN) for the projects. The ministry said the planned procurements would enhance mobility, air defence, supply chain management and overall operational preparedness of the armed forces.
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Indian Navy's mine countermeasure vessel project revived
Among the largest proposals cleared was the revival of the Indian Navy's long-delayed Mine Counter Measure Vessels (MCMVs) programme, estimated at ₹44,000 crore. The project, which had been scrapped around 2016–17, originally designated Goa Shipyard Ltd to build 12 vessels designed to detect, classify, sweep and neutralise various types of naval mines, including moored and drifting ones.
The DAC also approved other naval proposals, including new moored mines intended to target submarines and surface ships, Super Rapid Gun Mounts, and Submersible Autonomous Vessels. The ministry stated that the procurements would help mitigate potential threats to both naval and merchant shipping.
Significance of IDDM category
All proposals were cleared under the 'Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured)' category to further support domestic defence innovation and self-reliance, the Ministry of Defence said.
The IDDM is the top-priority category under India's Defence Acquisition Procedure. It refers to defence equipment that is either fully designed and developed within India with at least 50 per cent indigenous content, or not designed in India but still manufactured locally with at least 60 per cent indigenous content. By mandating high levels of domestic involvement in both design and production, IDDM aims to build a robust, self-reliant defence industrial base.
IDDM is important because it strengthens national security by reducing reliance on foreign suppliers and fostering strategic autonomy. It also boosts domestic innovation, supports Indian defence manufacturers, and generates employment. Crucially, systems developed under IDDM are easier to maintain and upgrade, ensuring faster logistics and operational readiness. Through IDDM, India advances its long-term goals of technological sovereignty and economic resilience in the defence sector.
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