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Defence Acquisition Council Approves ₹2.38 Lakh Crore Procurements Including 5 S-400 Squadrons and Transport Aircraft

Security & DefenceIntl. RelationsHIGH
Target:UPSC GS-IIIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
27 Mar 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:₹2.38 lakh crore5 S-400 systems$5.43 billion₹6.73 lakh crore₹2.28 lakh crore₹858 crore
Bodies:Defence Acquisition CouncilMinistry of DefenceIndian Air ForceIndian ArmyIndian Coast GuardDRDORussian JSC RosoboronexportBoeing India Defence Private Ltd
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What This Article Covers

1.The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved capital procurement proposals worth approximately ₹2.38 lakh crore, covering all three services and the Coast Guard.

2.Key approvals include five additional S-400 long-range surface-to-air missile systems from Russia, medium transport aircraft, and remotely piloted strike aircraft for the IAF.

3.This reflects India's continued strategic partnership with Russia and a focus on indigenous defence projects like the DRDO's remotely piloted strike aircraft.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

India's Defence Acquisition Council approved a massive ₹2.38 lakh crore procurement package, including five additional S-400 missile squadrons from Russia and new transport aircraft for the IAF. This marks a significant boost to India's strategic air defence and airlift capabilities.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Total Value Approved₹2.38 lakh crore
S-400 Squadrons Approved5 squadrons
Original S-400 Deal Value (2018)$5.43 billion
DAC AoNs in FY 2025-2655 proposals worth ₹6.73 lakh crore
Capital Contracts Signed FY 2025-26503 proposals worth ₹2.28 lakh crore

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Total Value Approved: ₹2.38 lakh crore
  • ›S-400 Squadrons Approved: 5 squadrons
  • ›Target this Data: ₹2.38 lakh crore (total value of DAC approvals)
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)
  • ›Target this Treaty/Deal: $5.43 billion S-400 deal signed in 2018

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Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which body, headed by the Defence Minister, grants the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for major defence capital procurements in India?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the recent Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approvals:

1. The DAC cleared proposals worth approximately ₹2.38 lakh crore, including five additional S-400 missile systems.

2. The remotely piloted strike aircraft approved is a joint venture project with the United States.

3. The DAC also accorded Acceptance of Necessity for heavy duty air cushion vehicles for the Indian Coast Guard.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

According to the article, what was the total value of the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) granted by the DAC in the 2025-26 financial year?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary strategic objective behind procuring the S-400 long-range surface-to-air missile systems, as per the Ministry of Defence statement in the article?

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