India – June 24, 2025 – In a significant move to bolster the Indian Army's operational readiness, particularly in counter-terrorism operations, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has approved and finalized 13 contracts worth ₹1,981.90 crore under the Emergency Procurement (EP) mechanism. This fast-tracked acquisition aims to equip troops with modern, mission-critical, and predominantly indigenous systems to address evolving security challenges.
The contracts, concluded against an overall sanctioned outlay of ₹2,000 crore for the Indian Army, underscore the government's commitment to enhancing the Army's capabilities amidst a dynamic security environment, including counter-terrorism efforts in regions like Jammu and Kashmir. The EP mechanism allows for rapid acquisition of essential equipment to bridge urgent capability gaps and ensure timely induction into service.
Key equipment being procured through these contracts includes:
- Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction Systems (IDDIS): To effectively identify and neutralize hostile drones, a growing threat in modern warfare.
- Low Level Lightweight Radars (LLLR): For enhanced surveillance and detection of low-flying aerial threats.
- Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS): Including launchers and missiles, these man-portable systems are crucial for providing close-range air defense against aircraft, helicopters, and increasingly, drones. The VSHORADS are designed to engage targets at very low altitudes.
- Remotely Piloted Aerial Vehicles (RPAVs) and Loitering Munitions: Including Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) systems. Loitering munitions, often referred to as 'kamikaze' drones, can loiter over a target area and strike with precision when a threat is identified. The Indian Army recently placed an order for 450 indigenously developed Nagastra-1R loitering munitions, which is part of this larger procurement drive.
- Various Categories of Drones: For reconnaissance, surveillance, and tactical operations.
- Bulletproof Jackets (BPJs) and Ballistic Helmets: To enhance the protection of troops operating in high-threat environments.
- Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicles (QRFVs): Both heavy and medium variants, for improved mobility and rapid response.
- Night Sights for Rifles: To boost the lethality and effectiveness of soldiers in low-light conditions.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Defence, these procurements were executed through fast-track procedures to ensure rapid capability augmentation. The focus is on improving situational awareness, lethality, mobility, and protection for troops deployed in counter-terrorism environments.
"These procurements reflect the Ministry's commitment to equipping the Indian Army with modern, mission-critical, and completely indigenous systems to meet emerging security challenges," the ministry stated, adding that the EP route remains a key enabler in bridging urgent capability gaps and ensuring the timely induction of vital operational equipment.
This procurement drive follows recent military confrontations and reflects India's proactive approach to enhancing its anti-terror grid and overall defense readiness.
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