Defence ministry approves ₹67,000 cr deals for BrahMos systems, radars, BMPs, MALE drones

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh-led Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on August 5, 2025, approved various proposals amounting to a total cost of about ₹67,000 crore. The defence acquisitions approved by DAC include night sights for BMPs (infantry fighting vehicles), compact autonomous surface craft, BrahMos systems, mountain radars, MALE drones, and missile and aircraft upgrades.

For the Indian Army, the acceptance of necessity (AoN) was accorded for the procurement of Thermal Imager-based Driver Night Sight for BMP, which would enhance the night driving capability of BMP and provide higher mobility and operational advantage to the mechanised infantry.

For the Indian Navy, AoN was accorded for the procurement of compact autonomous surface craft, BrahMos fire control system & launchers and upgradation of BARAK-1 point defence missile system. The ministry says the procurement of compact autonomous surface craft will provide the capability to the Indian Navy for detection, classification and neutralisation of threats in anti-submarine warfare missions.

For the Indian Air Force, AoN for the procurement of mountain radars and upgradation of the Saksham/Spyder weapon system was accorded. The procurement of mountain radars will enhance the air surveillance capability along and across the borders in the mountainous region. The upgradation of the Saksham/Spyder weapon for integration with the Integrated Air Command and Control System will enhance the air defence capability, says the ministry.

The government also approved the procurement of medium altitude long endurance (MALE) remotely piloted aircraft (RPAs) for the three services. The proposed MALE RPAs can carry multiple payloads and weapons and operate at longer ranges for long endurance missions. The government says it will significantly enhance the round-the-clock surveillance and combat capability of the armed forces. DAC has approved sustenance of C-17 and C-130J fleets and an annual maintenance contract of the S-400 long range air defence missile system.