Defence Acquisition Committee gives its nod for defence purchases worth ₹79,000 crore

India, situated in a complex geopolitical neighbourhood with evolving security challenges, has consistently prioritized the modernization of its armed forces. Historically, India has been one of the world's largest importers of defence equipment, a trend that led to significant foreign exchange outflow, technological dependence, and vulnerabilities in supply chains. Recognizing these strategic and economic drawbacks, successive governments have pushed for greater indigenization in defence manufacturing. This commitment was significantly amplified by the 'Make in India' initiative launched in 2014, and further strengthened under the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan' (Self-Reliant India Campaign) which identified defence as a crucial sector for self-reliance.

Against this backdrop, the Defence Acquisition Committee (DAC), India's apex decision-making body for defence procurement, plays a pivotal role. Chaired by the Defence Minister, the DAC is responsible for approving new policies and capital acquisitions for the three services (Army, Navy, and Air Force), the Coast Guard, and Special Forces. Its primary objective is to streamline the acquisition process and ensure expeditious procurement of state-of-the-art equipment for the armed forces, while also promoting indigenous design, development, and manufacturing. The recent approval by the DAC for defence purchases worth ₹79,000 crore is a significant step in this direction, underscoring the nation's resolve to bolster its military capabilities primarily through domestic production.

The approved procurements are diverse, catering to the specific operational requirements of each service. The Indian Army is set to receive critical upgrades including radars, which are essential for surveillance and targeting, and guided rocket ammunition, enhancing its precision strike capabilities. The Indian Navy's capabilities will be augmented with new tugs, vital for harbour operations and assisting larger vessels, and high-frequency radios, crucial for secure and long-range communication at sea. For the Indian Air Force, the approval includes missiles, which are key for air superiority and strike missions, and simulators, essential for advanced pilot training and mission readiness without incurring the costs and risks of actual flight hours. A substantial portion of these procurements are expected to fall under the 'Buy (Indian – Designed, Developed and Manufactured)' or 'Buy (Indian)' categories, aligning with the broader goal of defence indigenization.

This move holds immense significance for India across multiple dimensions. From a national security perspective, these acquisitions directly enhance the operational readiness and combat effectiveness of the armed forces, providing them with modern tools to address conventional and unconventional threats along its borders and in its maritime domain. Economically, the ₹79,000 crore investment will provide a substantial boost to India's domestic defence industry, including Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and a growing number of private sector players and MSMEs. This promotes job creation, fosters a skilled workforce, encourages research and development, and facilitates technology transfer within the country. It also helps reduce India's reliance on foreign defence suppliers, thereby strengthening its strategic autonomy and reducing vulnerability to geopolitical pressures or sanctions. The emphasis on 'Make in India' also aligns with the vision of transforming India into a defence manufacturing hub, potentially positioning it as an exporter of defence equipment in the future.

Historically, India's defence procurement has been governed by various iterations of the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP). The latest version, the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, was specifically formulated to give further impetus to 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Make in India' in the defence sector. It introduced several reforms, including reserving certain categories of procurements for Indian vendors, increasing indigenous content requirements, and simplifying procedures for domestic companies. Constitutionally, defence falls under the Union List (List I) of the Seventh Schedule, specifically Entry 2, which grants the Union Parliament exclusive power to legislate on 'Naval, military and air forces; any other armed forces of the Union; delimitation of cantonment areas, local self-government in such areas, the constitution and powers within such areas of cantonment authorities and the regulation of house accommodation (including the control of rents) in such areas.' This underscores the central government's prerogative and responsibility in national defence. Furthermore, Article 51 of the Constitution, which speaks of the promotion of international peace and security, implicitly supports the need for a robust defence posture to safeguard national interests.

The future implications of such significant defence investments are profound. It signals a sustained commitment to modernizing the armed forces while simultaneously nurturing a robust domestic defence industrial base. This will not only ensure India's security needs are met but also integrate the defence sector more deeply into the national economy. The continued focus on indigenous design and manufacturing could lead to India developing niche capabilities and becoming a significant player in the global defence market. However, challenges remain, including ensuring timely delivery, maintaining quality standards, fostering cutting-edge R&D, and attracting private investment. The DAC's approvals are critical milestones in India's journey towards becoming a powerful and self-reliant nation, capable of defending its interests and contributing to regional stability.