Next-gen weapons, ships, and missiles cleared for Army, Navy, IAF

The Defence Ministry on Thursday approved the purchase of weapons and military equipment worth ₹79,000 crore. The move aims to strengthen the combat capabilities of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The decision was taken at a Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

This is the second major procurement move in 2025, following the clearance of projects worth ₹67,000 crore in August, shortly after Operation Sindoor.

Naval upgrades: The Indian Navy will receive Landing Platform Docks (LPDs), 30-mm Naval Surface Guns (NSGs), Advanced Lightweight Torpedoes (ALWTs), Electro-Optical Infra-Red Search and Track Systems, and smart ammunition for the 76-mm Super Rapid Gun Mount.

LPDs are ships capable of carrying helicopters, tanks, vehicles, and troops. They will help the Navy conduct amphibious operations alongside the Army and Air Force, while also supporting peacekeeping, disaster relief, and humanitarian missions.

The indigenously developed ALWT, by DRDO’s Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, can target conventional, nuclear, and small submarines. The 30-mm NSGs will help the Navy and Coast Guard handle low-intensity maritime operations and anti-piracy tasks.

Army upgrades: The Army will get the Nag Missile System (Tracked) Mk-II (NAMIS), ground-based mobile electronic intelligence systems (GBMES), and high-mobility vehicles (HMVs).

NAMIS is designed to destroy enemy combat vehicles, bunkers, and field fortifications. GBMES will provide round-the-clock electronic intelligence on enemy activities, while HMVs will enhance troop movement and logistics support across difficult terrains.

Air Force upgrades: For the Air Force, the DAC approved the Collaborative Long Range Target Saturation/Destruction System (CLRTS/DS), capable of autonomous take-off, navigation, target detection, and payload delivery. Additional equipment proposals for the IAF were also approved to improve operational efficiency.

These approvals are part of India’s ongoing effort to modernise its armed forces, integrate advanced indigenous technology, and enhance readiness across land, sea, and air operations.