India Ramps Up Military Preparedness Amid Operation Sindoor
India’s defence forces have received a significant boost with the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approving emergency procurement worth approximately Rs 40,000 crore to support ongoing operations, particularly the high-stakes Operation Sindoor against Pakistan. This approval, granted under special emergency powers, reflects the urgency with which the armed forces are enhancing their readiness in the face of persistent cross-border threats.
In a meeting attended by top defence and military officials, the DAC cleared these procurements, enabling swift acquisitions of critical military hardware. The list includes kamikaze and surveillance drones, long-range loitering munitions, artillery ammunition, missiles, rockets, and air defence systems. As per the rules under emergency powers, once contracts are signed, the armed forces must receive the equipment within a limited time frame to ensure rapid deployment.
The decision marks the fifth tranche of emergency powers granted in the last five years, underscoring their strategic importance. These powers have previously enabled the quick acquisition of essential weapons and spare parts, proving vital in addressing real-time security challenges. During Operation Sindoor, for instance, forces have already deployed high-impact weapons such as the BrahMos and Scalp missiles to strike terror infrastructure in Pakistan.
Advanced Drones and Missiles Lead the Emergency Procurement
Key systems like the Heron Mark 2 surveillance drones, used extensively by the Army and Air Force for real-time intelligence gathering during Operation Sindoor, were procured under the same emergency powers. Another notable addition is the Rampage missile, used successfully in precision strikes, now set to be manufactured domestically following bulk orders from the Indian Air Force and Navy. These acquisitions have significantly expanded India’s strategic strike capabilities and reduced dependency on foreign suppliers.
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a leading public sector entity, is also poised to benefit from these approvals. It is expected to receive orders for 10 additional low-level radar systems tailored for drone detection in operational zones. These orders will supplement an earlier order for six locator radars, further strengthening India’s counter-drone infrastructure.
Public-Private Synergy and Indigenous Defence Growth
In tandem with emergency acquisitions, the Ministry of Defence is actively working on long-term strategies to modernize the armed forces. Senior ministry officials are engaged in discussions with leaders from both public and private sector enterprises, including prominent firms like Solar Defence and Aerospace. These conversations aim to accelerate domestic defence manufacturing and reduce reliance on global suppliers.
This dual approach—rapid emergency procurement combined with long-term strategic planning—is creating a new momentum in India’s defence landscape. The government’s proactive stance is aligning military requirements with industrial capabilities, laying the foundation for greater self-reliance in defence production.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Defence for Strategic Advantage
While Operation Sindoor continues, the Rs 40,000 crore boost represents more than just a wartime measure. It signals a broader transformation in India’s defence posture, where agility, indigenous capacity, and rapid deployment form the cornerstone of national security planning. With threats evolving quickly, this kind of strategic flexibility is essential.
As the armed forces continue to confront threats along the border and beyond, the synergy between rapid procurement, indigenous production, and advanced technology will be key to ensuring operational superiority. The DAC’s approval underlines a clear message: India is not just reacting to immediate threats—it is preparing comprehensively for the future.
