Engine upgrade, torpedoes & surveillance planes: DAC clears Rs 54,000 crore defence acquisitions

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the apex decision-making body of the Ministry of Defence, has approved eight capital acquisition proposals worth over Rs 54,000 crore.

These include more powerful engines for T-90 tanks, new surveillance aircraft for the Indian Air Force and a new set of torpedoes for the Navy’s warships.

Chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the DAC granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) — the first stage of the acquisition process — for these proposals aimed at enhancing India’s defence capabilities.

The Ministry of Defence stated that the T-90 tank fleet will undergo an engine upgrade, with a new 1,350 HP engine replacing the existing 1,000 HP engine. This upgrade will improve battlefield mobility, particularly in high-altitude areas, by increasing the tanks’ power-to-weight ratio.

For the Indian Navy, the DAC approved the procurement of “Varunastra” torpedoes, an indigenously developed, ship-launched anti-submarine weapon designed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory. The induction of additional Varunastra torpedoes will bolster the Navy’s ability to counter submarine threats.

For the Indian Air Force, the DAC cleared the procurement of six Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft systems. These surveillance aircraft significantly enhance combat operations by exponentially increasing the effectiveness of other weapon systems.

As part of the Ministry of Defence’s initiative to mark 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms’, the DAC also approved new guidelines aimed at reducing timelines in various stages of the capital acquisition process, making it faster, more efficient and effective.