(MENAFN) India has authorized arms and ammunition purchases totaling $12 billion, with a strong emphasis on domestic sourcing, the Defense Ministry announced on Thursday. The decision, approved by the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC), is aimed at significantly improving the Indian military's mobility, air defense, supply chain systems, and overall combat readiness.

The approved acquisitions include armored recovery vehicles, electronic warfare systems, an integrated inventory management platform, and surface-to-air missiles. The Indian Navy will also procure moored mines, mine countermeasure vessels, super rapid gun mounts, and autonomous submersibles to safeguard naval and commercial vessels.

This investment is part of India’s broader effort to reduce dependence on foreign arms and foster local defense manufacturing. Although India remains one of the world’s largest arms importers—traditionally relying on Russia—it is increasingly prioritizing joint ventures and indigenous production.

One key example is BrahMos Aerospace, a joint India-Russia initiative established in 2005 and named after the Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers. The firm’s supersonic cruise missiles played a strategic role in India’s recent four-day conflict with Pakistan.

Additionally, the newly commissioned Russian-built frigate INS Tamal, which includes 26% Indian-made components, reflects growing Indo-Russian cooperation. The ship was built in Kaliningrad under Indian supervision.

Earlier this year, the DAC also approved over $6.26 billion in preliminary defense acquisitions, including upgraded engines for Russian T-90 tanks, new anti-submarine torpedoes, and airborne early warning systems for the Indian Air Force.

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