K-9 Guns, Kamikaze Drones & More: Defence Council To Review Proposals Worth Over Rs 1 Lakh Crore

Published 3 July 2026 · india

K-9 Guns, Kamikaze Drones & More: Defence Council To Review Proposals Worth Over Rs 1 Lakh Crore Published By, Edited By Last Updated: July 03

K-9 Guns, Kamikaze Drones & More: Defence Council To Review Proposals Worth Over Rs 1 Lakh Crore Published By, Edited By Last Updated: July 03, 2026, 09:58 IST The meeting is expected to focus on strengthening the operational readiness of the armed forces through a series of major modernisation projects. Rapid Read Congress leader Pawan Khera accused Rajnath Singh of misleading Parliament and the nation, alleging that the sacrifice of the six soldiers had been concealed. (File photo) The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the Ministry of Defence’s highest decision-making body on capital procurement, is scheduled to meet on Friday to consider defence acquisition proposals worth more than Rs 1 lakh crore. Chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the meeting is expected to focus on strengthening the operational readiness of the armed forces through a series of major modernisation projects. At the heart of the agenda is the grant of Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) – the first and most critical stage in India’s defence procurement process.

An AoN does not amount to a purchase order, but it formally recognises the operational requirement of the armed forces and allows the procurement process to move forward through tendering, evaluation and eventual contract negotiations. A substantial share of the proposals expected to come before the council relates to the Indian Army, which has been accelerating its modernisation plans in response to evolving security challenges along both the northern and western borders. The military has increasingly focused on improving mobility, firepower, air defence and survivability while incorporating lessons from recent conflicts around the world. Among the key proposals is the procurement of additional K-9 Vajra self-propelled artillery guns. The 155 mm tracked howitzers, manufactured in India, have already been inducted into service and have demonstrated their effectiveness in diverse operational conditions, including the high-altitude terrain of Ladakh and the desert sectors along the western frontier. Their mobility, long-range precision and rapid deployment capability have made them a crucial component of the Army’s artillery modernisation programme.

The council is also expected to examine proposals for loitering munitions, commonly known as kamikaze drones. These systems can remain airborne over a target area before striking with precision, making them particularly effective against high-value targets while reducing the risk to personnel. Their growing importance has been underscored by recent conflicts, where loitering munitions have emerged as a key battlefield capability. In addition, the DAC is likely to consider the acquisition of Verba Man-Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS), designed to counter low-flying aircraft, helicopters and drones. Other proposals include additional air defence guns and Active Protection Systems (APS) for tanks and armoured fighting vehicles. APS use advanced sensors and interceptors to detect and neutralise incoming anti-tank guided missiles and rocket attacks, significantly enhancing battlefield survivability. If approved, these proposals would represent another significant step in India’s long-term effort to modernise its armed forces, strengthen indigenous defence capabilities and ensure that the military remains equipped to address emerging threats across multiple domains.