DAC Rs 79000 Cr Defence Approvals + Counter-Terror Conference Key Announcements: India’s Integrated Security Framework UPSC GS-3
India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, approved capital acquisitions worth Rs 79,000 crore, alongside the government’s plan to unveil India’s first comprehensive Anti-Terrorism Conference 2025. These parallel developments create a multi-layered security architecture addressing conventional warfare, hybrid threats, terrorism, and border incursions simultaneously.
For UPSC aspirants, this represents GS Paper 3 gold – integrating Defence Modernisation, Internal Security, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Procurement Policy, and Federal Security Coordination.
Strategic Context Driving Approvals
Border Security Challenges (2025):
- LAC (China): Infrastructure standoff continues; 6th village built near Arunachal Pradesh
- Pakistan Border: 50+ drone incursions detected in Punjab/J&K sector
- Terror Launchpads: 15+ active in PoK; digital radicalisation rising 300% since 2023
- Hybrid Threats: Cyber + drone + proxy warfare convergence
The Rs 79,000 crore package targets immediate capability gaps with 75% indigenous content mandate.
DAC Capital Acquisitions: Platform-Wise Breakdown
The approvals span the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with a focus on high-threat theatres:
| Equipment Category | Service | Strategic Role | Indigenous Partner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loiter Munitions (Swarm) | Army | Precision strikes + LAC counter-drone ops | Solar Industries, Zen Tech |
| Pinaka Extended Range Rockets | Army | 90km+ MLRS fire support (Pakistan border) | TATA, L&T, Kalyani Strategic |
| 3D AESA Radars | IAF | Integrated Air Defence (China threat) | Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) |
| Multi-Role Maritime Patrol | Navy | Indian Ocean domain awareness | Mazagon Dock, GRSE |
Procurement Routes: 70% Buy (Indian-IDDM), 25% Buy (Indian), 5% Strategic Partners.
Anti-Terrorism Conference 2025: Framework Analysis
Anti-Terrorism Conference 2025 launched 3 NIA digital tools + directed uniform ATS structure:
Core Objectives:
- Unified Command Structure: National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) as nodal agency
- Digital Threat Neutralisation: AI-powered radicalisation monitoring
- Border Hardening: Integrated Check Posts 2.0 + drone detection
- Financial Blockade: Crypto terror funding tracking
| Threat Vector | Policy Response | Implementation Agency |
|---|---|---|
| NIA Crime Manual | Standard investigation SOPs | MHA + IB |
| Digital Radicalisation | AI monitoring + content takedown | MeitY + CERT-In |
| Drone Infiltration | Laser-based counter-drone systems | DRDO + BSF |
Defence Budget Integration & Indigenisation Progress
| Budget Head | Allocation (Rs Cr) | Indigenous % |
|---|---|---|
| Capital Modernisation | 1,72,000 | 75% |
| DAC Dec 2025 Approvals | 79,000 | 75% IDDM |
UPSC Strategic Preparation Guide
Prelims Checklist:
✓ DAC Chairman: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh
✓ NCTC under: Ministry of Home Affairs
✓ Pinaka: Indigenous Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher
✓ Loiter Munitions: Kamikaze drone variant
✓ Defence Budget Modernisation Share: 25-30%
- Intro: Dual security announcements context
- Body 1: Capability enhancement (hardware)
- Body 2: Doctrine evolution (anti-terror policy)
- Body 3: Atmanirbhar + federal integration
- Conclusion: Comprehensive security posture
PYQ Connections:
- Defence indigenisation lists (2024)
- NCTC functioning (2023)
- Border infrastructure (2022)
Implementation Timeline
- Q1 2026: Contracts signed, production begins
- Q3 2026: First Pinaka ER deliveries
- Q1 2026: ATS restructuring begins
- Ongoing: MSME-DPSU integration for 60% manufacturing
Regional Threat Matrix Addressed
China (LAC): AESA radars + Pinaka saturation fire
Pakistan: Loiter munitions + drone countermeasures
Terror Networks: Unified CT command + digital monitoring
Maritime Domain: Patrol vessels for IOR security
FAQs on DAC Rs 79000 Cr Defence Approvals + National Anti-Terror Policy
Q1: What did DAC approve on 30 Dec 2025?
A: Rs 79000 crore capital acquisitions, including loiter munitions (Army), Pinaka extended range rockets (Army), 3D AESA radars (IAF), maritime patrol assets (Navy) with 75% indigenous content mandate.
Q2: What were the key outcomes of the Anti-Terrorism Conference 2025?
A: Amit Shah inaugurated the conference, announcing the NIA Crime Manual, Organised Crime Database, Weapons Database + Common ATS structure across states.
Q3: Which threats do these measures address?
A: LAC standoff (China), Pakistan drone incursions, PoK terror launchpads, digital radicalisation – conventional + hybrid threats through multiagency fusion centres.
Q4: What procurement categories were used?
A: 70% Buy (Indian-IDDM), 25% Buy (Indian), 5% Strategic Partners focusing on MSMEDPSU manufacturing for Atmanirbhar Bharat compliance.
Q5: UPSC relevance of DAC approvals + CT policy?
A: GS3 goldmine: Defence modernisation (Pinaka, radars), internal security (NCTC), procurement policy, federal coordination. PYQs on indigenisation, border infrastructure.
Q6: Key indigenous partners involved?
A: Solar Industries/Zen Tech (loiter munitions), TATALTKalyani (Pinaka), BEL (radars), Mazagon DockGRSE (maritime patrol).
Q7: What is the defence budget context?
A: Rs 79000 Cr = 4.6% of Rs 1.72 lakh Cr modernisation budget; total capital outlay Rs 2.3 lakh Cr for FY2526.
Conclusion: Proactive Security Posture
The DAC Rs 79,000 Cr + Anti-Terror Conference 2025 deliverables demonstrate a foresight-driven security strategy. By addressing immediate threats through indigenous capabilities while institutionalizing counter-terrorism coordination, India builds multi-domain deterrence.
For UPSC aspirants: Link procurement economics + security doctrine for 200+ scoring potential in GS-3.
Quick Revision:
- DAC approval amount? (Rs 79,000 Cr)
- Indigenous content target? (75%)
- NCTC nodal ministry? (MHA)
- Pinaka’s role? (MLRS fire support)
