NEW DELHI (Agencies): India has approved defense procurement proposals worth $17.2 billion, focusing on enhancing its military capabilities with advanced technology and equipment. The Defense Ministry announced that 99% of these purchases will be sourced from local vendors, supporting India’s push for an indigenous weapons manufacturing market.
The Defense Acquisition Council, chaired by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, sanctioned ten proposals, including the acquisition of Future Ready Combat Vehicles for the army. These “futuristic” main battle tanks will feature superior mobility, all-terrain capability, multilayered protection, precision lethality, and real-time situational awareness. India plans to acquire around 1,700 of these tanks to replace its aging fleet of Russian-origin T-72 tanks.
Other approved proposals include air defense fire control radars to detect and track aerial targets and forward repair teams for on-site repairs. The Indian Coast Guard will also benefit from the procurement of Dornier-228 aircraft, fast patrol vessels, and offshore patrol vessels, enhancing their capabilities in surveillance, patrolling, search and rescue, and disaster relief operations.
The Economic Times has linked these approvals to China’s increasing assertiveness in the region. Amid an ongoing border dispute with India, Beijing has upgraded regional infrastructure and deployed surveillance assets. New Delhi has expressed concerns over China’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean Region.
Additionally, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute reported that India expanded its nuclear arsenal in 2023, with an emphasis on developing warheads capable of striking targets in China. India increased its nuclear missiles from 164 to 172, while China significantly boosted its atomic arsenal from 410 to 500 warheads during the same period.