The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved a massive military capability boost worth ₹2.38 lakh crore to equip the country's armed forces with advanced Russian-origin S-400 Triumf air defence systems, remotely piloted strike aircraft, transport planes, artillery guns and tank ammunition.
The proposed acquisition of five units of the S-400 missile system will significantly boost the Indian Air Force's ability to detect, identify, track and engage hostile fighters, missiles and drones.
The remotely piloted strike aircraft will enable the air force to carry out precision strikes without risking the lives of personnel and will also sharpen its intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
The additional air defence systems will bring the number of S-400 units in the IAF to 10, with four squadrons of remotely piloted strike aircraft also cleared.
The DAC also cleared the purchase of 60 medium transport aircraft to boost the IAF's airlift capabilities and additional Dhanush artillery guns, armour-piercing tank ammunition, a runway-independent aerial surveillance system, an air defence tracked system and a high-capacity radio relay for secure tactical communication.
