New Delhi – In a landmark decision demonstrating the Modi govt defence push towards military modernization, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on August 5, 2025, cleared capital acquisition proposals worth approximately Rs 67,000 crore. This substantial Modi govt defence push aims to strengthen the operational readiness and combat capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces across land, sea, and air domains.
The comprehensive Modi govt defence push encompasses cutting-edge technologies including advanced drones, thermal imaging systems, supersonic missile upgrades, and autonomous surface craft. This strategic investment reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing India’s defense capabilities amid evolving security challenges in the region.
Indian Army Receives Advanced Night Vision Capabilities
The Modi govt defence push includes significant enhancements for the Indian Army through the procurement of Thermal Imager-based Driver Night Sights for BMP vehicles. The Defence Acquisition Council granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for this crucial upgrade, which will dramatically improve night-time mobility and operational efficiency of Mechanised Infantry units.
This component of the Modi govt defence push addresses a critical operational requirement for enhanced night warfare capabilities. The thermal imaging technology will enable BMP vehicle operators to navigate effectively in low-light conditions, significantly improving the Army’s tactical advantage during nocturnal operations and adverse weather conditions.
The thermal imaging systems represent a technological leap forward in the ongoing Modi govt defence push, ensuring that ground forces maintain superior situational awareness and mobility regardless of lighting conditions or environmental challenges.
Naval Forces Gain Autonomous and Missile Capabilities
The Modi govt defence push extends substantial benefits to the Indian Navy through multiple Acceptance of Necessity approvals. The DAC approved procurement of Compact Autonomous Surface Craft, which will revolutionize the Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities by providing advanced threat detection, classification, and neutralization systems.
Additionally, this Modi govt defence push includes procurement of BrahMos Fire Control Systems and Launchers, enhancing the Navy’s supersonic missile strike capabilities. The BrahMos system integration will provide naval vessels with precision strike capabilities against both surface and land targets at extended ranges.
The naval component of the Modi govt defence push also encompasses upgradation of the BARAK-1 Point Defence Missile System, strengthening ship-based air defense capabilities. This comprehensive approach ensures that Indian naval assets maintain superiority across multiple warfare domains simultaneously.
Air Force Modernization Through Radar and Air Defense Systems
The Indian Air Force benefits significantly from this Modi govt defence push through approval for Mountain Radar procurement and SAKSHAM/SPYDER Weapon System upgradation. Mountain Radars will strengthen surveillance capabilities along India’s challenging mountainous borders, providing early warning against aerial intrusions and enhancing border security.
Also Read: Ukraine on Russian Drones: Explosive Diplomatic Crisis Over Use Of Indian Components
The SAKSHAM/SPYDER system upgradation represents a crucial element of this Modi govt defence push, integrating advanced air defense capabilities with the Integrated Air Command and Control System. This integration will create a comprehensive air defense network capable of detecting, tracking, and engaging multiple aerial threats simultaneously.
These air defense enhancements demonstrate the strategic nature of the Modi govt defence push, ensuring that Indian airspace remains protected through layered defense systems and advanced radar coverage across diverse geographical terrains.
Revolutionary Drone Technology for Tri-Service Operations
Perhaps the most significant aspect of this Modi govt defence push is the approval for Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft procurement for Army, Navy, and Air Force. These advanced drones represent a quantum leap in India’s unmanned aerial capabilities, providing extended-range surveillance and combat functions.
The MALE RPAs approved under this Modi govt defence push can carry diverse payloads and weaponry, enabling continuous operational readiness across all three services. These platforms will provide intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strike capabilities, significantly enhancing India’s defense posture.
The tri-service drone procurement illustrates the integrated approach of this Modi govt defence push, ensuring that all branches of the armed forces benefit from cutting-edge unmanned systems technology for enhanced operational effectiveness.
Critical Asset Sustenance and Maintenance Programs
The comprehensive Modi govt defence push includes essential sustenance programs for existing high-value defense assets. The DAC approved Acceptance of Necessity for sustaining C-17 and C-130J aircraft fleets, ensuring continued operational availability of these strategic airlift capabilities.
Furthermore, this Modi govt defence push includes a comprehensive annual maintenance contract for the S-400 Long Range Air Defence Missile System. This maintenance program ensures high availability and operational efficiency of India’s most advanced air defense system, maintaining deterrent capabilities against aerial threats.
These sustenance programs demonstrate the holistic nature of the Modi govt defence push, recognizing that maintaining existing capabilities is as crucial as acquiring new systems for overall defense preparedness.
Strategic Impact and Future Readiness
This Rs 67,000 crore Modi govt defence push represents a transformative investment in India’s defense capabilities, addressing critical gaps across multiple domains while enhancing existing systems. The approved acquisitions will significantly boost the operational readiness of Indian Armed Forces, providing technological advantages essential for modern warfare scenarios.
The strategic timing and comprehensive scope of this Modi govt defence push reinforces India’s commitment to maintaining regional security while deterring potential adversaries through advanced military capabilities and technological superiority.
