Astra Mk-2 missiles, extended-range Pinaka rockets among Rs 79,000 crore defence proposals cleared

The defence ministry on Monday cleared planned capital acquisition proposals worth about Rs 79,000 crore, including the procurement of Astra Mk-2 air-to-air missiles with a range exceeding 200 km and extended-range guided rockets for the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system.

The Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, accorded Acceptance of Necessity to a range of proposals from the Indian Army, Air Force and Navy at its year-end meeting. Acceptance of Necessity is the first formal step in the defence procurement process.

Army proposals include extended-range Pinaka rockets

For the Indian Army, the council approved procurement proposals covering loiter munition systems for artillery regiments, low-level lightweight radars, long-range guided rocket ammunition for the Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System and the integrated drone detection and interdiction system Mk-II.

The most significant among these is the long-range guided rocket ammunition for Pinaka, a proposal valued at around Rs 2,500 crore. While the current guided rockets for Pinaka have a range of roughly 80 km, the new variant will extend this to 120 km.

The guided rockets are being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, with initial testing scheduled for 2026.

In a statement, the defence ministry said loiter munitions would be used for precision strikes on tactical targets. At the same time, the lightweight radars would enable detection and tracking of small, low-flying unmanned aerial systems.

“Long-range guided rockets will enhance the range and accuracy of Pinaka MRLS for effective engagement of high-value targets. Integrated drone detection & interdiction system MK2 with enhanced range will protect the vital assets of the Indian Army in tactical battle area and hinterland,” the ministry said.

Astra Mk-2 missiles cleared for Air Force

For the Indian Air Force, the council cleared proposals for the procurement of an automatic take-off and landing recording system, Astra Mk-2 air-to-air missiles, a full mission simulator for the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas and SPICE-1000 long-range guidance kits.

The automatic take-off and landing recording system is expected to address gaps in the aerospace safety environment by providing high-definition, all-weather recording of aircraft operations.

The full mission simulator for the Tejas is intended to strengthen pilot training in a cost-effective and risk-free manner. The SPICE-1000 guidance kits will expand the IAF’s long-range precision strike capability and were previously used during the Balakot operation in 2019.

A key clearance for the Air Force is the proposed procurement of at least 700 Astra Mk-2 missiles. These will be integrated with Sukhoi fighter aircraft and the Tejas platform. The missile’s planned range of over 200 km exceeds that of the European Meteor missile used on the Rafale fleet.

Originally designed for a range of 160 km, the Astra Mk-2 programme has been revised to achieve higher performance. The missile is intended as a counter to the PL-15 air-to-air missile deployed by both Pakistan and China. Its first test firing is expected in 2026, with later variants aimed at extending the range beyond 300 km.

Navy approvals include tugs, radios and drone leasing

For the Indian Navy, the Defence Acquisition Council approved procurement of bollard pull tugs, high-frequency software-defined radios in manpack configuration and continued leasing of high-altitude long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft systems.

The bollard pull tugs will support naval vessels and submarines during berthing, unberthing and manoeuvring operations in harbours and confined waters.

The high-frequency software-defined radios are intended to improve secure long-range communication during boarding and landing operations. The leased high-altitude remotely piloted aircraft will provide continuous intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and strengthen maritime domain awareness over the Indian Ocean region.

The Navy currently operates two Sea Guardian drones on lease, and the approval covers continued leasing as the existing contract approaches its end.