New Delhi [India]: In a major push to strengthen the Indian armed forces amid the ongoing Operation Sindoor against Pakistan, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved emergency procurements worth approximately ₹40,000 crore for weapons and ammunition, senior defence officials told media.
This approval, granted under emergency procurement powers, enables rapid acquisition of critical military hardware including surveillance drones, kamikaze drones, long-range loitering munitions, and ammunition for artillery, air defence, and missile and rocket systems.
The recent strikes by Indian forces involved heavy-duty munitions such as the BrahMos and Scalp cruise missiles, inflicting significant damage on Pakistani targets.
Emergency Powers Drive Fast-Tracked Acquisitions
Under the emergency provisions, the deals signed mandate quick delivery timelines, ensuring that the armed forces receive the equipment at the earliest. This marks the fifth such tranche of emergency procurement powers in the past five years.
According to defence sources, “The procurements would be done by the forces involving the financial advisors from the defence finance wing.”
The Indian Defence Ministry is also concurrently working on long-term modernisation plans and has engaged in consultations with senior leadership from public and private defence firms, including Solar Defence and Aerospace.
Impactful Past Acquisitions Under Emergency Powers
Previous emergency powers have already helped fast-track key acquisitions. For instance:
- The Rampage missile, used in attacks on Pakistani targets, was originally acquired under emergency provisions. Larger orders have since been placed for domestic production.
- The Heron Mark 2 drones, used for real-time surveillance during Operation Sindoor by the Indian Army and Air Force, were also procured under these powers.
- Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is expected to secure an order for 10 additional low-level drone detection radars, on top of a prior order for six.
Many Indian drone manufacturing companies are poised to benefit from upcoming contracts across the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
More Budget Support Possible
As the need for modern, agile defence systems increases, the government is likely to consider additional financial support in upcoming budget allocations to meet procurement demands.
This surge in approvals comes as Operation Sindoor remains active. Indian armed forces have reportedly crippled 11 out of 12 Pakistani air bases, causing substantial damage to infrastructure and aircraft.