India has approved defence procurement proposals worth $25 billion, including the acquisition of transport aircraft, Russian-made S-400 missile systems, and remotely piloted strike aircraft, as part of its ongoing military modernisation efforts.
According to official sources, the approvals are aimed at strengthening the country’s armed forces and replenishing equipment following recent tensions with Pakistan. The decision follows another major clearance last month worth $40 billion for the purchase of Rafale fighter jets from France and Boeing P-8I reconnaissance aircraft for naval operations.
The latest package also includes procurement of armoured piercing tank ammunition, advanced gun systems, aerial surveillance equipment, and upgrades for Sukhoi-30 fighter jets. Additional acquisitions cover hovercraft for the coastguard to enhance maritime capabilities.
In a separate development, India’s defence ministry signed a contract worth approximately $47 million with Russia’s JSC Rosoboronexport for the purchase of Tunguska air defence missile systems for the army.
Officials noted that India’s defence spending has reached record levels this fiscal year, with total approvals amounting to $71 billion. Contracts signed during the same period have also exceeded $500 billion rupees, marking the highest annual figures to date.
India remains one of the world’s largest defence spenders and the second-largest arms importer globally. The country has been steadily upgrading its largely Soviet-era military inventory while diversifying suppliers to include France, the United States, Israel, and Germany.
