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First Post
11-07-2025
- Business
- First Post
India's defence orders soar post-Operation Sindoor, acquisitions fast-tracked with Rs 400 bn push
The fast-tracked acquisitions will ensure the enhancement of the military's operational readiness across key domains. The MoD recently approved the 13 contracts under EP of Rs 20 billion for various platforms read more Advertisement Indian Army shows a demonstration of how Indian Air Defence systems saved the Golden Temple in Amritsar and cities of Punjab from Pakistani missile and drone attacks. X/@ANI India has set the stage to witness a record-breaking year of defence acquisitions after the Ministry of Defence (MoD) greenlit emergency procurement (EP) contracts worth Rs 400 billion post Operation Sindoor. The fast-tracked acquisitions will ensure the enhancement of the military's operational readiness across key domains. The MoD recently approved the 13 contracts under EP of Rs 20 billion for various platforms, while the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has authorised Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 10 proposals worth Rs 1,050 billion. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'These procurements will provide higher mobility, effective air defence, better supply chain management and augment the operational preparedness of the Armed Forces,' the ministry said in a statement. June saw the most clearances India's defence is moving at a fast pace, with the ministry clearing a number of high-value contracts and projects in June alone, indicating a new phase of rapid and strategic capability enhancement. Some of these contracts include 10 proposals worth Rs 1,050 billion that have been accorded for AoN by DAC, 13 contracts for emergency procurement of Rs 19.8 billion and the acquisitions of 155mm precision-guided munitions for howitzers. Private sector gets a boost Amid growing emphasis on strengthening domestic defence capabilities, the government is focusing on using its purchasing power to drive indigenous production. Authorities have reached out to industry bodies and private defence firms to encourage greater involvement in manufacturing critical military equipment. In the context of Operation Sindoor, this push is expected to prioritise the production of artillery guns, missiles, loitering and precision-guided munitions, and military-grade drones. According to a report by the Indian Express, the government is likely to expand a model where public sector undertakings (PSUs) lead research and development, sometimes in partnership with private firms, while production is handed over to private companies. This approach was used for the DRDO-designed 5.56x45mm CQB Carbine, now being produced by Bharat Forge after a tender. For drones, the plan is to identify up to five civilian drone makers with the potential to scale up to military-grade production, and support them with technology partnerships and guidance on future orders.
The Print
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Print
India to acquire 5th-gen fighters as interim solution? Defence secy says talks with partners are ongoing
'As far as our steps in this regard are concerned, we are talking to our partners on the fifth-generation fighter aircraft programme. As of now, those discussions have not reached a stage where we can start sharing this with the media,' Singh said Monday. 'I don't think we can do a blow-by-blow accounting of what we're doing in these matters. These are sensitive negotiations. When they reach a tangible stage, be it an Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), an RFP, or a final contract, that is when the media will come to know.' Responding to questions about reports that Pakistan may soon induct Chinese fifth-generation fighters and speculation around India's interest in platforms like the Russian Su-57E and American F-35 during an interview with CNBC-TV18, Singh said that conversations with global partners are ongoing but remain at a preliminary stage. New Delhi: Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh has confirmed that India is in talks with key allies and partners to explore the possibility of acquiring fifth-generation fighter aircraft as an interim solution, even as the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme, projected to take around 10 years, moves forward. When asked if this meant India would continue with the AMCA programme while simultaneously speaking to key allies and partners to see if there can be a solution found on getting fifth gen fighters in a shorter period of time, Singh replied, 'You could say that, without getting into too many specifics. As I said, these things need to be done outside the media gaze.' Both Russia and the US have publicly signaled their willingness to offer fifth-generation fighter platforms to India. While Russia has reportedly offered full technology transfer and co-production of the Su-57 in collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the US has indicated openness to discussions around the F-35. Notably, when Trump and Modi met in the US this February, the US president had publicly backed the potential sale of F-35 fifth-generation stealth fighters to India. However, the joint statement issued by the countries after the meeting did not specifically mention the aircraft. Instead, it noted that 'the leaders pledged to accelerate defense technology cooperation across space, air defense, missile, maritime and undersea technologies,' adding that the US would review its policy on releasing fifth-generation fighters and undersea systems to India. Further, when asked how India viewed Russia's reported offer of full technology transfer and co-production of Su-57 fighters with HAL, especially given that the country already operates a Sukhoi production line, Singh said, 'I've already made it clear that I won't be offering a running commentary on what we're doing. We'll move forward, and when decisions are taken, you'll come to know.' Pressed further on whether formal proposals had been received from either the US or Russia, Singh responded, 'I don't know, frankly, because some of this would take place at the service level. But again, I mean, let's leave this topic.' On the indigenous AMCA project, Singh said the process had moved into early procurement stages. 'EOI (Expression of Interest) and the RFI (Request for Information) has been issued by ADA or Aeronautical Development Agency, and I think they've had some preliminary rounds of discussions with prospective bidders,' he said. 'I would imagine it'll take something between three to six months to, you know, reach the contract award stage. Thereafter, the project itself of development and of AMCA prototypes, you know, actually taking to the skies, it should be about a 10-year programme.' The AMCA programme moved into a new phase in May when the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) formally approved the execution model for the indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter. The government greenlit the development of AMCA prototypes under a competitive framework that, for the first time, allows both public and private Indian firms to bid for the contract. The project will be overseen by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), with HAL no longer guaranteed the lead role. An Expression of Interest (EOI) was issued last month to shortlist technically capable Indian companies or consortia to co-develop the prototypes, support flight testing and assist with certification. The AMCA is a fifth gen twin-engine, all-weather stealth fighter designed for air superiority, deep strike and electronic warfare missions. However, given its extended development timeline as estimated at around 10 years, according to the defence secretary, the government is simultaneously exploring interim fifth-generation fighter solutions in collaboration with key international partners. This also comes amid the Indian Air Force's pressing need to address its declining squadron strength, which stands at just 31 against a sanctioned strength of 42.5 squadrons. (Edited by Tony Rai) Also Read: 'No Rafale shot down in combat, India lost one to technical malfunction, probe on': Dassault CEO
India.com
04-07-2025
- Business
- India.com
Massive defence push after Operation Sindoor, Centre clears 10 major arsenal purchases worth Rs 1.05 lakh crore, BIG win for Indian Navy, to get largest ever…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on Thursday, July 3 gave the green light to start buying military equipment worth about Rs. 1.05 lakh crore. This move is aimed at strengthening the Indian armed forces. The plan includes a wide range of equipment from minesweeping ships and surface-to-air missiles to systems used in electronic warfare and vehicles that help recover damaged tanks and other armoured vehicles, according to the defence ministry. The DAC, which is led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved 10 new defence purchase proposals. All of them will be made in India to support the country's goal of becoming more self-reliant in defence production. In India, the council's approval known as 'Acceptance of Necessity' or AoN is the first step toward actually buying the equipment. Indian navy to get mine countermeasure vessels Among the proposals, the biggest one is the Navy's plan to get mine countermeasure vessels (also known as minesweepers) worth around Rs. 44,000 crore. These ships play a key role in clearing naval mines and keeping sea routes safe. This decision is an important one because, right now, the Indian Navy doesn't have a single minesweeper in service. The last of its old fleet, which included six ships bought from the former Soviet Union in the late 1970s was retired six years ago. To rebuild its mine-clearing strength, the Navy now plans to get 12 new minesweeping ships (called MCMVs) from Indian shipyards. In addition to these ships, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) also approved other related equipment, like moored mines, a fast-firing naval gun called the super rapid gun mount, and underwater robotic vessels. These tools are meant to protect both Navy warships and civilian cargo ships from threats in the sea, the defence ministry said. This isn't the first time the Navy has tried to buy minesweepers. Over the past 17 to 18 years, at least three earlier efforts didn't work out. Two years ago, the Navy said it might divide the minesweeper order between two shipbuilders giving eight ships to the lowest bidder and four to the second-lowest to speed things up. Still, officials say the first minesweeper won't actually join the fleet until at least seven years after the deal is signed. The rest will be delivered over the next six to seven years. Big boost to surface-to-air missiles Another big proposal that got the green signal is for quick-reaction surface-to-air missiles, which are expected to cost around Rs. 30,000 crore. The council also approved purchases of armoured recovery vehicles (used to tow or fix damaged tanks), electronic warfare gear, and a shared inventory system for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. These acquisitions will help improve mobility, air defence, logistics, and overall readiness of the armed forces, the ministry said. Govt clears new defence proposals under IDDM category The DAC has cleared all the new defence proposals under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, which is the most important route for boosting defence manufacturing in India. IDDM stands for Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured meaning the equipment will be made in India, using Indian technology and resources. This decision comes at a key moment. On June 19, the Ministry of Defence announced the formation of a powerful new committee to review and improve the existing Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP 2020). This review is aimed at helping the armed forces modernise faster and making the country more self-reliant in defence production. The committee is being led by the Director General (Acquisition) and includes top officials from the defence ministry, representatives from the Indian defence industry, and experts from academic institutions. They are now holding discussions with different stakeholders and have asked for suggestions by July 5. According to the ministry, the goal of this review is to speed up the delivery of modern systems and equipment to the armed forces so that they can be better prepared to deal with future threats. At the same time, it aims to boost the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) mission by encouraging home-grown defence technologies and innovations.
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Spy planes, minesweepers: Nod for 1L crore purchases
AI generated image for representation NEW DELHI: The defence ministry gave preliminary nod Thursday to three major acquisition projects and seven smaller ones, collectively worth over Rs 1 lakh crore, ranging from specialised spy aircraft and advanced minesweepers to quick-reaction air defence missiles and underwater autonomous vessels. The biggest project to get "acceptance of necessity" (AoN), which is just the first step in the long-winded procurement process, was for the indigenous construction of 12 mine countermeasure vessels for around Rs 44,000 crore, which will take almost a decade, sources told TOI. These specialised warships, each with a displacement of 900-1,000 tonne, will be capable of detecting, tracking and destroying underwater mines laid by enemy forces to choke harbours and ports, disrupt shipping and maritime trade. QRSAMs designed to intercept hostile fighters These specialised warships are crucial amid the expanding maritime collaboration between China and Pakistan. At present, the Navy makes do with just "clip-on mine countermeasure suites" mounted on some ships to plug the major capability gap. The second big project was the Rs 36,000 crore procurement of the new quick-reaction surface-to-air missile (QRSAM) systems developed by DRDO , with three regiments for the Army and three squadrons for IAF. Overall, the Army Air Defence has projected a requirement of 11 such regiments. These highly mobile QRSAMs, designed to intercept hostile fighters, helicopters and drones at ranges up to 30km, will add to the country's multilayered air defence network that played a crucial role in thwarting multiple waves of Turkish-origin drones and Chinese missiles launched by Pakistan during Operation Sindoor May 7-10 hostilities. The third major project was for three ISTAR (intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition & reconnaissance) planes, designed to identify and help target high-value enemy targets on ground with greater precision and accuracy by fighter jets & missiles, for around Rs 10,000 crore. These aircraft will be equipped with a wide array of indigenous sensors & systems developed by DRDO, like synthetic aperture radars, electro-optical and infrared sensors, for gathering "actionable intelligence" in real time on enemy infrastructure, build-ups and movements. Another project granted AoN was for semi-submersible autonomous vessels for ISR missions. They will be acquired under 'Make-II' category project, where prototype development is funded by the industry. AoNs were accorded for procurement of armoured recovery vehicles, electronic warfare systems and tri-Service integrated common inventory management system for better supply chain management.
Indian Express
03-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Surface to air missiles, armoured recovery vehicles: MoD clears Rs 1 lakh crore purchases
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) Thursday cleared a series of big-ticket procurements worth Rs 1.05 lakh crore for the Armed Forces — which includes armoured recovery vehicles (ARV), electronic warfare (EW) system, integrated common inventory management system for the tri-services and surface to air missiles. According to the Defence Ministry, the DAC, headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), the first step in the long defence procurement process, for 10 capital acquisition proposals, all of which will be sourced indigenously. However, grant of AoN does not necessarily lead to a final order. The DAC is the top body for clearing major capital acquisitions for defence. The Ministry in a statement Thursday said these procurements will provide higher mobility, effective air defence, better supply chain management and augment the operational preparedness of the Armed Forces. All these procurements are significant in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor launched in May by India in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. The clearance to procure more surface to air missiles is likely based on India's stellar performance during military hostilities with Pakistan following Operation Sindoor of surface to air missile systems such as the indigenously-made Akash medium range surface to air missile and S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile system. Officials told The Indian Express that Indian Mechanised Forces have long faced limitations in operations due to a lack of matching mobility between main battle tanks and ARVs. 'ARVs would be a critical element to boost the manoeuvring capabilities of tank units during a mechanised assault,' an official said explaining the significance of the decision to procure more ARVs. During Operation Sindoor, Electronic Warfare system and counter-Electronic Warfare platforms were found critical in negating the adversary's communication and radar systems, providing technical superiority to the UAVs and aircraft launched by India. 'The decision to bolster their strength could be drawn as part of lessons from Operation Sindoor,' the official said. Similarly, a Common Inventory Management System for the tri-services would improve cost efficiency of commonly used systems by the three services and provide pan-service visibility in terms of availability of weapon systems, allowing balancing of resources based on the theatre that is active. The Defence Ministry said that AoNs were also accorded for procurement of Moored Mines, Mine Countermeasure Vessels, Super Rapid Gun Mount and Submersible Autonomous Vessels. 'These procurements will enable mitigation of potential risks posed to the naval and merchant Vessels,' it said. The AoNs were accorded under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured) category to provide further impetus to indigenous design and development.
