Context:
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved major defence procurements worth ₹2.38 lakh crore, including S-400 missile systems, transport aircraft, and advanced military systems, aimed at strengthening India’s defence preparedness and border security.
Key Highlights:
- Government Initiative / Policy Details
- Approval for 5 squadrons of S-400 air defence systems from Russia.
- 3 squadrons already deployed on western borders; 2 more expected soon.
- Induction of medium transport aircraft to replace ageing An-32 and Il-76 fleet.
- Clearance for Su-30 aero engine overhaul to extend operational life.
- Procurement for Army and Coast Guard systems approved.
- Data, Targets, Schemes Mentioned
- Total defence push worth ₹2.38 lakh crore.
- DRDO-developed remotely piloted strike aircraft expected in 7–8 years.
- Stakeholders Involved
- Indian Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force)
- DRDO (indigenous R&D)
- Indian Coast Guard
- Russia (defence supplier)
- Significance / Applications / Concerns
- Enhances capability to counter long-range aerial threats.
- Strengthens border security vis-à-vis Pakistan and China.
- Boosts self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) through DRDO projects.
- Reduces dependence on ageing military platforms.
- Strategic concerns regarding import dependence on Russia and geopolitical implications.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- S-400 Triumf:
- Russian surface-to-air missile (SAM) system.
- Can track targets up to 600 km and engage at ~400 km range.
- Effective against aircraft, drones, cruise & ballistic missiles.
- Defence Acquisition Council (DAC):
- Highest decision-making body for defence procurement.
- Chaired by Defence Minister.
- Acceptance of Necessity (AoN):
- First step in defence procurement indicating official approval of requirement.
- DRDO: India’s premier defence R&D agency under Ministry of Defence.
- Su-30 MKI: Multirole fighter aircraft forming backbone of IAF.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Defence Modernisation:
- Essential to counter evolving threats like missile warfare, drones, and hybrid warfare.
- Replacement of legacy systems improves operational readiness.
- Strategic Autonomy vs Import Dependence:
- Continued reliance on Russia highlights challenges in indigenisation.
- Need to balance Make in India with immediate security needs.
- Technological Advancement:
- Indigenous drone/strike aircraft reflects push towards network-centric warfare.
- Internal Security & Border Management:
- Enhanced air defence crucial for protecting critical infrastructure and border regions.
- Maritime Security:
- Coast Guard acquisitions strengthen coastal surveillance and SAR (Search & Rescue).
- Way Forward:
- Accelerate indigenous defence manufacturing.
- Diversify defence procurement sources.
- Strengthen jointness among armed forces.
- Invest in emerging technologies (AI, cyber, drones).
UPSC Relevance:
- GS 3: Internal Security, Defence Technology.
- GS 2: Governance (procurement processes, institutional mechanisms).