Game-Changing Drone Deal Worth ₹20,000 Crore
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved the purchase of 87 armed medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) drones.
These drones will feature advanced ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) capabilities and be equipped with air-to-ground missiles and laser-guided bombs. Importantly, they will be produced in India with 60% indigenous content.
The drones are expected to play a critical role across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. They are faster than the MQ-9B Predator HALE drones ordered from the US and will be deployed earlier than the 2029-30 delivery timeline of the US variant.
BrahMos Missiles: Precision Strike Power
Over 110 air-launched BrahMos missiles have also been cleared for procurement at a cost of ₹10,800 crore. These 450-km range missiles fly at Mach 2.8 — nearly three times the speed of sound — and are a proven asset in precision strikes.
They will be mounted on Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets, creating a lethal strike combination with a combat radius of 1,500 km. This pairing was prominently used during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, to great success.
Support Infrastructure and Naval Upgrades
The DAC also sanctioned ₹650 crore for eight new BrahMos fire control systems and vertical launchers to modernize older warships. Presently, around 20 frontline Indian Navy warships are already BrahMos-equipped.
Since March 2024, the Indian government has signed deals worth over ₹58,000 crore with BrahMos Aerospace — the Indo-Russian joint venture behind the missile. This highlights BrahMos as India’s “prime conventional precision strike weapon,” as per the Defence Ministry.
10-Year OEM Support Worth ₹11,000 Crore
The drone deal includes a ₹11,000 crore contract for long-term logistical and operational support from the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), ensuring high uptime and sustained performance.
Upgrades for Indian Army Vehicles
In addition to air and naval systems, the DAC approved thermal imager-based night sights for BMP infantry combat vehicles. This enhancement will significantly improve mobility and operational effectiveness during night missions.
National Security and Atmanirbhar Bharat
These new defence acquisitions align with the government’s push for ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) in defence manufacturing. The move is also a direct response to India’s operational learnings from recent regional conflicts, including Operation Sindoor.
Experts say this investment is not only timely but essential. As regional tensions rise and new threats emerge, India’s military modernization efforts will play a crucial role in safeguarding national interests.
Conclusion
With strategic procurements like drones and BrahMos missiles, India is ramping up its readiness for future challenges. These technologies offer rapid strike capabilities, deep precision targeting, and long-range deterrence — key ingredients for modern warfare.
The ₹67,000 crore defence boost is not just about numbers. It’s about capability, confidence, and a clear message: India is ready to defend its borders with strength and technology.
