Published: 15 February 2026PIB/MoDDefence Security
Defence Acquisition Council Approves ₹3.60 Lakh Crore Procurement: P-8I Aircraft, T-72 Tank Overhaul, Navy Gas Turbines
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved a comprehensive procurement package worth approximately ₹3.60 lakh crore (approximately $43 billion) covering platforms and systems for the Indian Air Force, Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Coast Guard.
Among the most significant approvals is the procurement of additional P-8I Poseidon long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft. The P-8I, a variant of Boeing's P-8 Poseidon, is already operated by the Indian Navy and has proven critical for surveillance of the Indian Ocean Region, tracking submarine movements, and providing maritime domain awareness. The new batch will further strengthen the Navy's ability to monitor activity across the Indo-Pacific.
The Army received approval for the overhaul and life-extension programmes of its legacy T-72 Ajeya main battle tanks and BMP-II infantry fighting vehicles, both of which form the bulk of India's armoured strike capability. These overhauls are essential to maintaining combat readiness while the Army's modernisation programme — including indigenous Arjun tanks and Future Ready Combat Vehicles — progresses.
The Navy also received approval for gas turbine engines to power warships, reducing dependence on foreign propulsion systems. Additionally, Vibhav anti-tank mines for the Army were cleared, along with several other systems for the Coast Guard.
A significant organisational development in the same session was the granting of Miniratna Category-I status to Yantra India Limited (YIL), a defence public sector undertaking, which will enhance its financial and operational autonomy. India's defence indigenisation push under the Make in India initiative continues to prioritise domestic procurement to reduce import dependence and build a self-reliant defence industrial base.
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Linked questionMedium
Which defence public sector undertaking was granted Miniratna Category-I status in February 2026?
Explanation · Correct answer CRaksha Mantri Rajnath Singh approved the grant of Miniratna Category-I status to Yantra India Limited (YIL), a Defence Public Sector Undertaking. The status gives YIL greater financial and operational autonomy, including board powers for capital expenditure within the prescribed limit.
Frequently asked questions
What is the total value of the defence procurement approved by the DAC in this session?
The DAC approved procurement worth approximately ₹3.60 lakh crore (about $43 billion).
What is the primary role of the P-8I Poseidon aircraft approved for the Indian Navy?
The P-8I Poseidon is a long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft used for surveillance of the Indian Ocean Region, tracking submarine movements, and maritime domain awareness.
Why were the T-72 and BMP-II overhauls necessary?
The T-72 Ajeya tanks and BMP-II infantry fighting vehicles form the bulk of India's armoured strike capability. Overhauls and life-extension programmes are essential to maintain combat readiness while indigenous modernisation (Arjun tanks, Future Ready Combat Vehicles) progresses.
What is the significance of Miniratna Category-I status for Yantra India Limited (YIL)?
Miniratna Category-I status grants YIL enhanced financial and operational autonomy, allowing it to invest and expand independently without requiring government approval for routine decisions, strengthening India's defence public sector.
How do the gas turbine engine approvals support India's defence indigenisation goals?
Approving gas turbines for Navy warships reduces India's dependence on foreign propulsion systems, supporting the Make in India initiative's goal of building a self-reliant domestic defence industrial base.