DAC Clears ₹1.1 Lakh Crore Defence Procurement for IAF and Armed Forces

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, cleared capital acquisition proposals worth ₹1.1 lakh crore for the Indian Armed Forces. A major highlight of this decision includes a pilot project to integrate Russian-origin RVV-BD beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles onto the Indian Air Force's Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter fleet, alongside other strategic electronic warfare and firepower enhancements across services.

The Defence Acquisition Council is the apex decision-making body under the Ministry of Defence responsible for capital procurement for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Indian Coast Guard. Formed following the recommendations of the Group of Ministers on Reforming the National Security System post-Kargil War in 2001, the DAC ensures timely clearance of military operational needs while advancing the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative through indigenous defence production and technology integration.

Key details include the total cleared capital outlay of ₹1.1 lakh crore across multiple defence procurement categories. The integration of RVV-BD (R-37M class) long-range air-to-air missiles will significantly enhance the Su-30MKI's operational engagement range beyond 200 kilometers, countering modern aerial threats effectively. The approvals place primary emphasis on domestic sourcing under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category to strengthen national defence manufacturing ecosystems.

This milestone decision significantly boosts India's military deterrence along contested international borders and reinforces long-range air superiority doctrines. For exam aspirants, Prelims questions can test the institutional composition and role of the DAC, missile classification systems, or fighter jet specifications. Mains questions (GS Paper 3: Security) will focus on defence indigenization, capital procurement procedures, and armed forces modernization strategies.