Rs 67,000 Crore Defence Push: 110 BrahMos, 87 Drones, Missile Upgrades And More Approved

The Ministry of Defence has cleared a fresh round of high-value arms acquisitions worth approximately Rs 67,000 croreto significantly bolster India’s strike and surveillance capabilities.

The approvals, granted by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, cover major procurements for the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

A key highlight is the approval for the purchase of 87 armed Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones in a landmark deal valued at Rs 32,350 crore, making it one of India's largest indigenous drone acquisitions to date.

These drones will be capable of carrying precision-guided munitions and will perform both ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) and strike missions, offering deep penetration capability across varied terrain.

Unlike the HALE-class MQ-9B Predators being acquired separately from the US, these MALE drones will be co-developed under the 'Make in India' framework by an Indian firm in partnership with a foreign original equipment manufacturer (OEM), with a minimum of 60 per cent indigenous content.

Their operational roles will likely include cross-border targeting, real-time battlefield surveillance, and persistent overwatch in conflict zones such as Ladakh and the western front.

Deliveries are expected to begin by 2029–30, with an additional Rs 11,000 crore sanctioned for a comprehensive 10-year logistical, spares, and maintenance package to ensure long-term operational readiness.

The DAC has also approved the purchase of over 110 air-launched BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles for Rs 10,800 crore. These 450 km-range missiles, integrated with Su-30MKI fighters, were used by the IAF during Operation Sindoor to strike Pakistani radar and airbase sites.

In addition, fire control systems and vertical launchers for BrahMos missiles will be procured for eight older Indian warships at a cost of Rs 650 crore. This follows a Rs 19,519 crore deal signed last year for over 220 BrahMos missiles for frontline Navy warships.

Other approvals include:

• Thermal night sights for BMP infantry vehicles

• Autonomous surface vessels for anti-submarine warfare

• Upgrades to Israeli Barak-1 and Spyder (Saksham) air defence systems

• Specialised mountain radars for the IAF

The DAC has also cleared maintenance contracts for the C-17 and C-130J transport aircraft, along with annual support for the Russian S-400 air defence systems, signalling a focus on sustainment alongside new acquisitions.