India approves $5.46 bill defence deal including Kamikaze Drones and electronic warfare systems

India on Friday approved the purchase of military equipment worth $5.46 billion for its defence forces, including missiles, electronic warfare systems, and Kamikaze drones, as New Delhi continues to modernize its military capabilities amid regional security challenges.

India on Friday approved the purchase of military equipment worth $5.46 billion for its defence forces, including missiles, electronic warfare systems, and Kamikaze drones, as New Delhi continues to modernize its military capabilities amid regional security challenges. The acquisition was approved “in principle” by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), comprising top military officers and headed by the defence minister, according to a government statement.

The estimated cost of the deal is about Rs520 billion, though the statement did not specify the period over which the acquisitions would be made or whether the systems would be imported or domestically produced. Over the last decade, New Delhi has sought to reduce its dependence on Russia, its traditional main supplier, by turning to countries like the United States and France and by boosting domestic production.

The deal includes the purchase of anti-drone and electronic warfare systems, medium-range surface-to-air missiles, portable anti-tank missiles, and a “Jet-Based Kamikaze Drone System” for the Indian army. The DAC also approved the procurement of new naval mines, shipborne drones, and a testing facility to strengthen maritime defence and boost surveillance capabilities. India also plans to purchase a high-altitude unmanned aircraft platform for the air force, to be used for intelligence gathering and remote sensing.

A four-day conflict with Pakistan last year, in which India lost seven aircraft, highlighted the need for Delhi to upgrade its defence capabilities. India is also pushing to rapidly modernise its navy with an eye on Beijing’s growing influence in the key Indian Ocean shipping lanes. In December, New Delhi began ordering at least 75 ships and submarines, most of them built domestically. Top officials earlier this year approved the purchase of $39 billion worth of defence equipment, including Rafale jets from France. India’s current defence budget stands at $85 billion, and the country has also seen defence exports hit an all-time high of $4 billion, reflecting its growing role in the global arms market. The latest deal underscores India’s determination to strengthen its military readiness and technological capabilities in an increasingly complex security environment.