Delhi clears defence procurements worth nearly US$12 billion

India's Defence Acquisition Council granted Acceptance of Necessity for military procurement proposals valued at ₹1.10 lakh crore, approximately $12 billion, covering all three armed services. Army requirements include CBRN reconnaissance vehicles, high-mobility vehicles, self-propelled mine-laying systems, additional advanced light helicopters, trawl tanks and Sarvatra bridge systems. Naval and air-force proposals include Arudhra surveillance radars, indigenous marine gas-turbine development, fighter and transport-aircraft upgrades, helicopter improvements, ground-based multipurpose jammers and a secure access-card system. The approvals are preliminary acquisition clearances rather than signed contracts, and the government expects about 98% of the procurement value to be sourced from Indian industry.