In a decisive move to upgrade India’s counter-terrorism capabilities, the Ministry of Defence has cleared 13 contracts under the Emergency Procurement (EP) mechanism, amounting to ₹1,981 crore. This comes as part of an overall ₹2,000 crore outlay specifically earmarked for rapid-strengthening of the Indian Army’s mission-readiness.
What’s Being Procured?
The equipment aims to significantly boost situational awareness, firepower, and troop protection, especially in counter-terror operations along India’s borders and in sensitive zones.
Key systems being acquired include:
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Integrated Drone Detection Systems
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Low-Level Lightweight Radars
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Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) launchers and missiles
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Bulletproof Jackets
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Advanced Night Sights for Rifles
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Loitering Munitions (including vertical take-off and landing models)
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Remotely Piloted Aerial Vehicles (RPAVs)
According to the ministry, these systems are completely indigenous, aligning with the government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative in defence manufacturing.
Strategic Context: May 7 Precision Strikes
This procurement push follows India’s precision strikes on May 7, targeting nine terror infrastructure facilities in Pakistan-occupied territory. The strikes were carried out in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, reflecting New Delhi’s assertive stance on cross-border terrorism.
The upgraded systems will help ground forces operate more efficiently in high-risk environments, including Kashmir valley, the northeastern borders, and the LAC regions.
“These procurements reflect the Ministry’s commitment to equipping the Indian Army with modern, mission-critical systems to meet emerging security challenges,” said a defence official.
“It’s heartening to see that the government is prioritizing indigenous defence systems. When we rely on our own innovations for radars, drone detectors, and protective gear, we’re not just defending borders—we’re also building national pride and technological confidence. But my only concern is, we must make sure that this gear reaches the last soldier on the ground, and not just stay in procurement pipelines or headlines. Every rupee spent should translate into safety, not bureaucracy.”
– Ravindra Iyer, Retired Engineer, Pune
With drone threats, border infiltrations, and hybrid warfare on the rise, rapid-response procurement has become crucial. These assets not only fill critical capability gaps but also signal India’s strategic preparedness.
