The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is reportedly finalising an order worth Rs 2,000–3,000 crore for INVAR anti-tank guided missiles for the Indian Army, official sources said. While Defence Minister Rajnath Singh clears orders up to Rs 2,000 crore, any deal exceeding Rs 3,000 crore would require approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).
The INVAR missiles, known for their precision and compatibility with T-90 tanks, are expected to enhance the Indian Army’s firepower, particularly in the context of modern battlefield requirements.
Meanwhile, in a major boost to indigenous defence capabilities, the government has approved the execution model for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme—India’s ambitious fifth-generation fighter jet project. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will lead the project, in collaboration with industry partners.
The cabinet committee on security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had given in-principle approval to the AMCA project last year. The initial development cost is estimated at around Rs 15,000 crore.
“In a significant push towards enhancing India’s indigenous defence capabilities and fostering a robust domestic aerospace industrial ecosystem, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Programme Execution Model,” the Defence Minister’s Office said in a statement on Tuesday.
The AMCA will be a medium-weight, deep-penetration fighter jet with stealth features designed to strengthen the Indian Air Force’s long-term capabilities. The ministry added that the execution model ensures equal opportunities for public and private sector entities, allowing them to bid individually, as joint ventures, or as consortia—provided they are Indian companies in compliance with domestic laws.