India’s defence orders soar post-Operation Sindoor, acquisitions fast-tracked with Rs 400 bn push

India has set the stage to witness a record-breaking year of defence acquisitions after the Ministry of Defence (MoD) greenlit emergency procurement (EP) contracts worth Rs 400 billion post Operation Sindoor.

The fast-tracked acquisitions will ensure the enhancement of the military’s operational readiness across key domains. The MoD recently approved the 13 contracts under EP of Rs 20 billion for various platforms, while the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has authorised  Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 10 proposals worth Rs 1,050 billion.

“These procurements will provide higher mobility, effective air defence, better supply chain management and augment the operational preparedness of the Armed Forces,” the ministry said in a statement.

June saw the most clearances

India’s defence is moving at a fast pace, with the ministry clearing a number of high-value contracts and projects in June alone, indicating a new phase of rapid and strategic capability enhancement.

Some of these contracts include 10 proposals worth Rs 1,050 billion that have been accorded for AoN by DAC, 13 contracts for emergency procurement of Rs 19.8 billion and the acquisitions of 155mm precision-guided munitions for howitzers.

Private sector gets a boost

Amid growing emphasis on strengthening domestic defence capabilities, the government is focusing on using its purchasing power to drive indigenous production. Authorities have reached out to industry bodies and private defence firms to encourage greater involvement in manufacturing critical military equipment.

In the context of Operation Sindoor, this push is expected to prioritise the production of artillery guns, missiles, loitering and precision-guided munitions, and military-grade drones.

According to a report by the Indian Express, the government is likely to expand a model where public sector undertakings (PSUs) lead research and development, sometimes in partnership with private firms, while production is handed over to private companies.

This approach was used for the DRDO-designed 5.56x45mm CQB Carbine, now being produced by Bharat Forge after a tender. For drones, the plan is to identify up to five civilian drone makers with the potential to scale up to military-grade production, and support them with technology partnerships and guidance on future orders.