New Delhi: In a decisive move to modernise India’s armed forces and bolster combat readiness, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved a comprehensive suite of defence proposals valued between ₹79,000 crore and ₹80,000 crore.
Chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the historic meeting focused on extending the service life of critical military platforms through major overhaul and mid-life upgrade programmes, with particular emphasis on T-90 Bhishma main battle tanks and Mi-17 medium-lift helicopters.
Background of T-90 Tanks Mi-17 Helicopters Overhaul
The DAC, India’s highest defence procurement body, convened on 29 December 2025 to evaluate a wide range of capability enhancements spanning land, air and naval domains. Senior military leadership, including the Chief of Defence Staff and the service chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force, participated in the deliberations.
The council’s decisions reflect a balanced blend of modernisation, operational sustainability and combat effectiveness — aiming to extend service life, refresh legacy systems, and introduce next-generation capabilities into the force structure.
Details of T-90 Tanks Mi-17 Helicopters Overhaul
One of the marquee approvals is the overhaul and modernisation of the T-90 Bhishma — the Indian Army’s primary main battle tank platform. This programme focuses on regenerating tanks from ageing regiments, resetting critical components such as engines, gun systems and mechanical assemblies to modern standards.
The upgrade initiative is designed to:
- Extend operational lifespan by up to 20 years, preserving battlefield relevance.
- Enhance combat survivability and mobility, particularly in high-altitude theatres.
- Leverage expertise of the Army’s Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers alongside domestic defence manufacturers such as Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited.
By revitalising these potent armoured assets, the Army ensures continuity in mechanised warfare capability while bridging the gap until next-generation platforms enter service.
Mid-Life Upgrade of Mi-17 Helicopters: Sustaining Air Mobility
In parallel, the DAC cleared the mid-life overhaul of Mi-17 medium-lift helicopters, a cornerstone rotorcraft type used extensively by the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy for logistics, troop transport, and utility missions.
This mid-life programme is expected to:
- Ensure continued operational readiness across diverse environments.
- Increase airworthiness and reliability through structural and systems refurbishments.
- Open opportunities for private sector participation in maintenance and upgrade workstreams.
The overhaul aligns with broader efforts to modernise India’s rotary-wing fleet, preserving the Mi-17’s role as a versatile workhorse for decades to come.
Details of 79, 000 Crores Defence Push
While the overhaul programmes received significant attention, the DAC’s approvals encompass a wider set of capability enhancements:
Precision Strike & Loitering Munitions
The council sanctioned the acquisition of loitering munitions — also known as suicide drones — which have demonstrated effectiveness in recent operations. These systems offer the Army precision strike options against high-value targets in contested areas.
Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM)
To reinforce layered air defence, the Army, Air Force, and Navy will receive enhanced MRSAM systems capable of intercepting hostile aircraft, helicopters, UAVs and cruise missiles. Integration across platforms, including naval vessels, strengthens India’s air defence posture.
Astra Mark-2 BVR Air-to-Air Missiles
The Indian Air Force’s combat edge will be sharpened through the procurement of Astra Mark-2 beyond visual range air-to-air missiles, featuring indigenous guidance systems and extended range — an important deterrent against regional threats.
These additional acquisitions reflect an emphasis on precision, range, and multi-domain interoperability in modern warfare contexts.
