The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Friday granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for proposals worth Rs 52,000 crore, drawing lessons from Operation Sindoor and the military standoff with China. The approvals cover a counter-UAV system for the Army, a pseudo-satellite-based surveillance platform for the Indian Air Force, a shipborne unmanned aerial system for the Navy, and jet-powered kamikaze drones for the Army.
High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellites for IAF
For the Indian Air Force, the DAC approved the procurement of High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellites (HAPS), which will provide persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), telecommunications, and remote-sensing capabilities. These platforms feature fixed wings similar to aircraft and are powered by solar energy and onboard batteries. They are ultra-long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles operating in the stratosphere, typically at an altitude of 20 km.
A pseudo-satellite flies high enough to perform many functions associated with a geostationary satellite, remaining over a designated geographical area for weeks or even months at a time, but at a fraction of the cost of launching a satellite into space. Unlike conventional satellites, which eventually burn up or become space debris, HAPS can return to base, land on a runway, and be redeployed.
Akash Tarang Anti-UAV System for Army
For the Army, the DAC approved the procurement of the Akash Tarang anti-UAV system, an electronic warfare platform designed to neutralise incoming drones. The Ministry of Defence stated that the system would provide effective anti-drone protection to Army formations. Rather than relying solely on kinetic interception through guns or missiles, Akash Tarang employs radio-frequency jamming, spoofing, and other electronic countermeasures to disrupt the command links and navigation signals of hostile drones.
Jet-Powered Kamikaze Drones and Missile Systems
The DAC also approved the procurement of jet-powered kamikaze drones, along with man-portable anti-tank guided missile (MPATGM) systems, medium-range surface-to-air missile (MRSAM) systems, and very short-range air defence systems (V-SHORADS). The MPATGM will strengthen infantry units’ ability to counter armoured and mechanised threats. The MRSAM system will provide medium-range air defence against a range of aerial threats, while the V-SHORADS will enhance the Army’s close-range air defence capability.
Naval Shipborne Unmanned Aerial Systems
For the Navy, the DAC approved the procurement of Naval Shipborne Unmanned Aerial Systems (NSUAS). Equipped with advanced sensors, these platforms are expected to significantly improve the Navy’s situational awareness and surveillance capabilities. The approvals underscore India's focus on modernising its defence forces with cutting-edge technology in response to evolving threats.
