India approves Rs 2.12 lakh crore defence spending plan with heavy domestic focus

The Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by defence minister Rajnath Singh, approved capital acquisition proposals amounting to approximately Rs 2.12 lakh crore on October 26. The funding will be allocated to the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force to enhance their operational readiness. The council expects close to 82% of the procured equipment to be sourced from Indian industry, reinforcing the country's defence manufacturing base.

For the Navy, the council sanctioned the purchase of an Active Offboard Decoy System and several indigenously built naval platforms to improve protection against modern anti-ship missiles. Similar modernisation efforts are planned for the Army and Air Force, though specific items were not detailed. The initiative reflects a broader strategy to combine capability upgrades with domestic production growth.