India approves Dhruv helicopter acquisition and fighter upgrades

India's Defence Acquisition Council has granted Acceptance of Necessity for INR1.1 trillion ($12.1 billion) in military procurement, clearing the way for new helicopters and fighter upgrades. The approval covers the air force, army, and navy, according to the defence ministry. An Acceptance of Necessity is the initial administrative approval that validates a military requirement and begins the defence procurement process. It is followed by a request for proposals to vendors, tendering, evaluation, and contract negotiation.

The ministry said the approvals aim to enhance the war-fighting capability of fighters, transports, and helicopters for the Indian Air Force. Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) appears to be a major beneficiary. The ministry said it wants to obtain new 5.5-tonne Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters for the air force and army. The statement did not specify numbers or variants, but all military branches use the type, including the armed Rudra version with the army.

The package includes ground vehicles for the army, radars and gas turbines for the navy, and ground equipment for the air force. The ministry statement did not name the fighter types to be upgraded, but HAL has done extensive groundwork on a major upgrade for the air force's Sukhoi Su-30MKI fleet. Recent Indian media reports suggest the Acceptance of Necessity applies to this fleet, which forms the backbone of Indian airpower.