India's Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is scheduled to convene on July 3, 2026, to review and approve a substantial array of military procurement proposals. This pivotal meeting, the first under the nation's newly appointed military chiefs, is expected to advance projects ranging from advanced precision munitions to cutting-edge anti-tank missiles and kamikaze drones. The agenda underscores India's commitment to modernizing its armed forces while prioritizing indigenous production.
Indigenous Anti-Tank Missiles Lead the Agenda
A key proposal awaiting clearance is the induction of the Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM), developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the Indian Army. This significant acquisition includes 100 launchers, 2,300 missiles, and five simulators, with an estimated program cost exceeding Rs 2,600 crore. Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) is slated for manufacturing, and the Defence Ministry is considering additional private sector partners to accelerate production capacity for this critical indigenous system.
Precision Hammer Munitions for Air Power
The DAC is also anticipated to approve the acquisition of 600 Hammer (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) air-to-ground precision-guided munitions. Originally developed by France's Safran, these weapons are intended for domestic production by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) under the 'Make in India' initiative, with an estimated cost of Rs 2,400 crore. Hammer munitions, previously procured under emergency powers following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, are planned for deployment on the Indian Air Force's Rafale and LCA Tejas fleets, as well as the Indian Navy's Rafale Marine fighter aircraft.
Strengthening Air Defence Capabilities
The Indian Army Air Defence Corps is set for a major enhancement with the proposed procurement of Russian-origin Verba Very Short-Range Air Defence Systems. The Verba systems represent a more advanced successor to the Igla systems currently in service. Manufacturing is projected to take place in India through Adani Defence and Aerospace, further bolstering domestic defense manufacturing capabilities.
Broader Modernization Efforts Underway
Beyond these headline procurements, several other critical proposals are on the DAC's table. These include advanced fixed-wing pseudo satellites designed for high-altitude surveillance, naval shipborne aerial systems, software-defined radios for enhanced communication, kamikaze drones, sophisticated drone detection systems, and crucial upgrades for the existing Scorpene-class submarine fleet. This comprehensive approach reflects a multi-domain strategy for military modernization across all three services.
The upcoming DAC session, following a multi-month hiatus, is poised to inject renewed momentum into India's military modernization program. The strong emphasis on indigenous manufacturing and multi-domain capability development signals a strategic shift towards self-reliance and advanced technological integration within the Indian armed forces.