India on Thursday (22 December) approved defence projects worth Rs 84,328 crore to enhance the combat potential of its armed forces with new military hardware, including light tanks, futuristic infantry combat vehicles (FICVs), mounted gun systems, missiles and bombs.

"The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in its meeting held on 22 December 2022, has accorded approval for Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 24 capital acquisition proposals," the Defence Ministry said on Thursday.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is the apex procurement body of the Defence Ministry.

"These proposals include six for Indian Army, six for Indian Air Force, 10 for Indian Navy and two for Indian Coast Guard for a total value of Rs 84,328 crore," the ministry added.

The ministry said that of the 24 proposals, 21 proposals worth Rs 82,127 crore are approved for procurement from indigenous sources, providing a significant boost to the defence industry as part of the government's "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" initiative.

The approvals accorded will equip the Indian Army with platforms and equipment such as Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicles, Light Tanks and Mounted Gun System, giving a quantum jump to the Army's operational preparedness.

The proposals for the Indian Army also include the procurement of Ballistic Helmets with enhanced protection for soldiers.

Approvals for procurement of Naval Anti-Ship Missiles, Multi-Purpose Vessels and High Endurance Autonomous Vehicles will further enhance maritime strength giving boost to Indian Navy’s capabilities, the ministry said.

Further, the Indian Air Force will be strengthened with the induction of a new range of missile systems, Long Range Guided Bombs, a Range Augmentation Kit for conventional bombs, and advanced surveillance systems.

The procurement of Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels for Indian Coast Guard will enhance surveillance capability in the coastal areas, the ministry said.