New Delhi will acquire T-90 tank engines, anti-submarine torpedoes, and airborne early warning and control systems for the Air Force

India's Defense Acquisition Council has granted initial approval for arms and equipment purchases exceeding 540 billion rupees ($6.26 billion), aimed at strengthening the country's military capabilities, it announced on Thursday.

The proposed acquisitions include upgraded engines for the Indian Army's Russian-made T-90 battle tanks, additional anti-submarine torpedoes for the Navy, and airborne early warning and control systems for the Air Force.

The procurement of T-90 tank engines will enhance the operational efficiency of one of India's most formidable battle tanks, the ministry said.  In October 2024, India overhauled its fleet of Russian-manufactured T-90 Bhishma tanks, in order to extend their lifespan by at least 20 years.

Additionally, India's Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved a $823 million deal to buy Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS), according to local media reports. The Indian army will go ahead with the purchase of these domestically-developed 155mm howitzers, NDTV reported. New Delhi will acquire 307 such guns.

The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) initiated the ATAGS project in 2013, with the hopes of replacing outdated army guns with modern 155mm artillery systems. They have been manufactured by two companies: Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), an India Today report said.

The production will be split between the two manufacturers, with Bharat Forge, the lowest bidder, responsible for producing 60% of the guns, and TASL producing the remaining 40%, according to the report.

A defense official told the Times of India that the ATAGS will replace outdated 105mm and 130mm guns, significantly enhancing the Indian Army's operational capabilities along the borders with China and Pakistan. The official also noted that over 65% of the ATAGS' components are sourced domestically, including key subsystems such as the barrel, muzzle brake, breech mechanism, firing and recoil system, and ammunition handling mechanism.

The Indian Army plans to roll out 1,580 ATAGS guns with a range of up to 48 kilometers (27.3 miles). The guns are being modified into Mounted Gun Systems and are expected to complete trials by 2026, with India also securing export orders for the ATAGS, reports said. 

In addition to the ATAGS, the Indian Army is looking to expand its Pinaka rocket system capabilities. The current fleet of four Pinaka regiments is slated to grow to 22 in the future.