Def Council approves Rs 2.4L proposal for procurement of more S-400 units, transport aircraft, Desi Bofors

New Delhi: The Rajnath Singh-led Defense Acquisition Council on Friday approved multiple proposals worth around Rs 238 crore in a major boost to defense acquisitions, including the addition of Russian-made S-400 long-range surface-to-air missile system and 155 mm Dhanush howitzer system.“The decisions taken by the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) will help further strengthen India’s defense preparedness. It is heartening to note that in the financial year 2025-26, DAC has provided AoNs for 55 proposals amounting to Rs 673 crore. Additionally, capital procurement contracts have been signed for 503 proposals amounting to Rs 228 crore during the current fiscal year. This is the highest number in any given financial year,” Rajnath said in a post on X.The approval of the additional S-400 Sudarshan systems, which helped neutralize Pakistani missiles during last May’s conflict and were credited with the world’s longest-range shootdown of an enemy aircraft, comes as the Indian Air Force team in Russia receives its fourth squadron under a previously signed contract for five such systems.The fourth system could arrive in May, while the fifth squadron is expected to arrive by December.Another major approval is the approval for the procurement of medium transport aircraft (most likely 60 aircraft) to replace the Indian Air Force’s aging transport aircraft AN32 and IL-76, helping the force meet the strategic, tactical and operational airlift requirements of the army. Embraer, US firm Lockheed Martin and Russian manufacturer Ilyushin are the main contenders for the huge contract.For the Army, the Defense Council has approved anti-aircraft track systems, armor-piercing tank ammunition, high-capacity radio relay, runway independent air surveillance system and 155 mm Dhanush artillery system. Regarding the air defense tracking system, there are reports that India could purchase the Russian Pantsir-S1 system to protect India’s S-400 assets from low-flying threats and drone attacks.A statement from the Department of Defense said: “The air defense tracking system will provide real-time air defense control and reporting capabilities, while the high-capacity radio relay will provide reliable and fail-proof communications.” The runway-independent air surveillance system will provide Army forces with surveillance capabilities, and armor-piercing tank munitions will enhance the lethality of anti-tank munitions.The 155mm “Dhanush” howitzer has been deployed on the Pakistan-China border and will enhance the artillery’s ability to engage targets at long distances on all terrains and increase lethality and accuracy. The design of the Desi gun is based on the Bofors howitzer, 114 of which were ordered a few years ago and are now in the Army.For the Indian Air Force, DAC has approved the overhaul of remote-controlled attack aircraft and Su-30 aero-engine assemblies to extend the service life of the Indian Air Force’s main fighter jets. Remotely piloted attack aircraft will be able to conduct offensive counterattacks and coordinate air operations, as well as provide stealth intelligence, surveillance and identification activities.For the Indian Coast Guard, DAC granted AoN status to heavy air cushion vehicles. The vehicles will be used for multi-role maritime littoral combat missions, including high-speed coastal patrol, reconnaissance, search and rescue operations.