Centre Grants Rs 40,000 Crore Emergency Procurement Powers To Armed Forces Amid Strategic Pause In Operation Sindoor

In a significant move to fortify India’s defence preparedness amid the ongoing “strategic pause” in Operation Sindoor, the government has granted fresh emergency procurement (EP) powers to the armed forces, capped at approximately Rs 40,000 crore.

The decision comes as Pakistan continues to be warned over its support for cross-border terrorism, Times of India reported.

Approved recently by the Defence Acquisitions Council chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, EP-6 empowers the Army, Navy and Air Force to expedite procurement processes under both capital and revenue heads.

“The contracts have to be finalised within 40 days, with deliveries to be completed in one year. The powers will be exercised by the three Service vice chiefs,” an official was quoted as saying by TOI.

The move allows the Services to directly acquire critical equipment, including loitering and precision-guided munitions, kamikaze drones, counter-drone systems, and long-range missiles.

Notably, each contract under EP-6 is capped at Rs 300 crore, ensuring quicker acquisition cycles while staying within financial checks.

“All EP-6 purchases have to take place with the concurrence of the financial advisors, while special permission is needed for imports,” the official added.

The decision follows intense military activity from 7 to 10 May during Operation Sindoor.

“While the actual expenditure is likely to be less than the overall 15 per cent outer limit, it gives the Services the requisite flexibility to meet urgent operational gaps,” said the official.

During the recent strikes, the IAF used advanced weaponry including BrahMos cruise missiles, Israeli-origin Crystal Maze-2, Rampage and Spice-2000 bombs, French Scalp missiles, and Harop and Harpy drones.

The Army deployed SkyStriker loitering munitions and Excalibur artillery shells, supported by a multi-layered air defence using Barak-8 and Akash missile systems.

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