
214 MM Pinaka Multiple Launcher Rocket System. File
| Photo Credit: The Hindu
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Monday (December 29, 2025) accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisition proposals amounting to about ₹79,000 crore from the Army, the Navy and the Air Force.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the DAC approved the procurement of Loiter Munition Systems for Artillery Regiments, Low Level Light Weight Radars, Long Range Guided Rocket Ammunition for the Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MRLS), and the Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDD&IS) Mk-II for the Indian Army.
The Loiter Munition Systems will enable precision strikes against tactical targets, while the Low Level Light Weight Radars will enhance detection and tracking of small, low-flying unmanned aerial systems. The Long Range Guided Rockets will significantly improve the range and accuracy of the Pinaka MRLS, enabling effective engagement of high-value targets. The IDD&IS Mk-II, with enhanced range, will strengthen the protection of vital assets in tactical battle areas and the hinterland, the Defence Ministry said.
For the Indian Navy, the AoN was accorded for the procurement of Bollard Pull (BP) Tugs, High Frequency Software Defined Radio (HF SDR) Manpack systems, and the leasing of High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). The BP Tugs will assist naval ships and submarines during berthing, unberthing and manoeuvring in confined harbour waters. The HF SDR Manpack will enhance long-range secure communications during boarding and landing operations, while the HALE RPAS will provide persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and strengthen maritime domain awareness across the Indian Ocean Region.
For the Indian Air Force, the DAC approved the AoN for procurement of the Automatic Take-off and Landing Recording System, Astra Mk-II beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, Full Mission Simulators, and SPICE-1000 long-range guidance kits.
The Automatic Take-off and Landing Recording System will enhance aerospace safety by enabling high-definition, all-weather automatic recording of take-off and landing phases. Astra Mk-II missiles, with enhanced range, will boost the capability of IAF fighter aircraft to engage adversary targets from extended distances.
The Full Mission Simulator for the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas will strengthen pilot training in a cost-effective and safe environment, while SPICE-1000 kits will enhance the IAF’s long-range precision strike capability.
Published – December 29, 2025 11:10 pm IST


