Defense deals worth Rs 2.38 lakh crore approved, 5 more S-400 missile systems will come from Russia: – ..

The Central Government has taken a historic step towards making the Indian Army modern and invincible. The Defense Acquisition Council (DAC), headed by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, on Friday gave its approval (AoN) to huge defense procurement proposals worth Rs 2.38 lakh crore. The biggest attraction of this mega deal is the new deal with Russia for S-400 missile system, which will turn India’s air defense into an impenetrable wall.

S-400 missile system: the new guardian of the skies

Indian government from Russia Five more S-400 The proposal to purchase long-range surface-to-air missile system has been given the green signal.

History: In 2018, India had signed a deal for 5 squadrons for $5.43 billion, out of which 3 have been received and are deployed on the Pakistan border.

Importance: The S-400 is capable of destroying enemy aircraft, drones and missiles from long ranges. It had proved its firepower during ‘Operation Sindoor’. The remaining 2 squadrons of the previous deal are also expected to reach India by the end of this year.

Air Force will get ‘Remote Strike Aircraft’ and new aircraft

DAC has taken several important decisions to enhance the strategic capability of the Indian Air Force (IAF):

Medium Transport Aircraft: These new aircraft will replace the outdated An-32 and Il-76, which will strengthen the airlift capability of the army.

Unmanned Strike Aircraft: Under this project of DRDO, remote controlled lethal strike aircraft will be developed. They will be able to carry out precise attacks and surveillance on enemy targets without a pilot.

Su-30 aero engine: Repair and overhauling of engines of Sukhoi aircraft has also been approved, which will increase the service life of these fighter aircraft.

Modern weapons for Army and Coast Guard

Procurement of several lethal weapons has been approved to strengthen India’s grip in field warfare:

Dhanush Gun System: This artillery gun is adept at long range accurate aiming and can operate in all types of inaccessible areas.

Armored Piercing Ammunition: Special anti-tank ammunition will be purchased to penetrate armored enemy tanks.

Coast Guard: Approval has been given for the purchase of heavy-duty ‘air cushion vehicles’ (Hovercrafts) for security and rescue operations of maritime borders.

‘Self-reliant India’ and strategic partnership with Russia

Government to reduce foreign dependence in defense sector ‘Make-in-India’ Special emphasis is placed on:

Maintenance of P8I aircraft: The Navy’s P8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft will now be repaired in India by Boeing India, which will cost Rs 413 crore.

Tunguska System: The purchase of Tunguska air defense missile systems has been ensured by signing a contract worth Rs 445 crore with a Russian company.

DAC’s record achievement

The financial year 2025-26 has been historic in terms of defense procurement. DAC has so far Rs 6.73 lakh crore A total of 55 proposals have been approved. According to the Defense Ministry, the number of AoN (Acceptance of Requirement) and signed contracts this year has been the highest compared to any previous financial year.