The Indian government has granted emergency procurement powers to the Army, Navy, and Air Force, allowing them to swiftly acquire critical weaponry and equipment amid ongoing tensions with Pakistan under Operation Sindoor.
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved the latest tranche of emergency procurement (EP-6), enabling the armed forces to fast-track acquisitions under both capital and revenue heads. The move comes as India reinforces its military preparedness following recent airstrikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Key Highlights of the Emergency Procurement Powers:
- Budget Allocation: The armed forces have been granted ₹40,000 crore for emergency acquisitions, with individual contracts capped at ₹300 crore.
- Rapid Procurement Timeline: Contracts must be finalized within 40 days, and deliveries must be completed within one year.
- Strategic Acquisitions: The forces will prioritize loitering munitions, kamikaze drones, long-range missiles, counter-drone systems, and precision-guided munitions.
- Financial Oversight: All purchases require concurrence from financial advisors, and special permission is needed for imports.
- Operational Flexibility: The emergency powers allow the military to replenish stockpiles and address urgent capability gaps following intense hostilities from May 7 to May 10.
Operation Sindoor: Strategic Pause or Continued Action?
India launched Operation Sindoor in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, striking nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK. The Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out missile strikes on Pakistani airbases, crippling their air operations and prompting Pakistan to seek a ceasefire.
Despite the strategic pause, the government has made it clear that hostilities could resume if Pakistan continues to support cross-border terrorism. The emergency procurement powers ensure that the armed forces remain combat-ready for any future escalation.
Defence Industry Engagement
The Defence Ministry is also working on long-term capability-building projects, engaging with public and private sector firms to enhance domestic production. Indian companies specializing in drone technology and missile systems are expected to receive large-scale orders from all three services.
The approval of emergency procurement powers marks a critical step in strengthening India’s defence preparedness amid evolving security challenges. As Operation Sindoor unfolds, the armed forces remain equipped to respond swiftly to emerging threats.
