India Approves Defence Projects Worth Rs. 1 Lakh Crore

India’s Defence Ministry approved ten new defence acquisition projects worth a total of ₹1 lakh crore (about $11.7 billion) on July 3, according to reports. These include advanced missile systems, spy planes, autonomous underwater vessels, and minesweeper ships.

However, the ministry has only given the “Acceptance of Necessity” (AoN) for now. This is just the first step in India’s long and detailed defence procurement process.

Mine Countermeasure Vessels (MCMVs)

One of the largest projects to get initial approval is the indigenous construction of 12 mine countermeasure vessels (MCMVs). This project is expected to cost around ₹44,000 crore (roughly $5.14 billion) and will likely take ten years to complete.

These specialised ships will be able to detect, track, and destroy underwater mines planted by enemy forces.

This move comes as both China and Pakistan expand their cooperation at sea. Strengthening India’s ability to safeguard its coastline and trade routes is now a high priority.

Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) Systems

The second major project is the purchase of quick-reaction surface-to-air missile (QRSAM) systems developed by DRDO. This deal is valued at ₹36,000 crore (around $4.2 billion).

The project includes three regiments for the Indian Army and three squadrons for the Indian Air Force. The Army Air Defence (AAD) has a long-term requirement for 11 QRSAM regiments.

These systems are highly mobile and designed to destroy enemy fighter jets, drones, and helicopters within a 30-km range. The QRSAM systems will boost India’s multi-layered air defence network, which played a key role during Operation Sindoor in May 2024, when India successfully tackled Turkish drones and Chinese missiles launched by Pakistan.

ISTAR Spy Aircraft

The third big-ticket project is the acquisition of three ISTAR aircraft, with a budget of around ₹10,000 crore (about $1.17 billion).

ISTAR stands for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance. These aircraft will use DRDO-developed sensors, such as synthetic aperture radars, electro-optical, and infrared systems. They will provide the Indian military with real-time intelligence on enemy locations, troop movements, and infrastructure.

These planes will also help Indian fighter jets and missiles target high-value enemy assets with greater precision.

Other Defence Projects Approved

In addition to these three large-scale projects, the Defence Ministry approved seven smaller projects, including:

• Semi-submersible autonomous vessels designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. These will be developed under the ‘Make-II’ category, where private industry finances the prototypes.

• Super Rapid Gun Mounts (SRGMs), which are 76mm naval guns used on Indian warships. The military will procure these through competitive bidding.

• Processor-based moored mines, designed by DRDO, which will explode after detecting an enemy ship’s acoustic, magnetic, or pressure signature.