India is advancing a major defence procurement initiative by approving the acquisition of three ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance) aircraft at an estimated cost of ₹10,000 crore ($1.2 billion). The Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, granted Acceptance of Necessity for this critical project in early August 2025. The aircraft, which will come from a competitive bid between Gulfstream and Bombardier, will be equipped with advanced indigenous sensor suites developed by DRDO’s Centre for Airborne Systems. These sensors integrate Synthetic Aperture Radar, Electro-Optical/Infrared, and AI-enabled real-time data processing to provide comprehensive battlefield intelligence. Designed to enhance the Indian Air Force’s capability for day-and-night, all-weather surveillance and precision strike coordination, this acquisition marks a significant leap in India’s operational readiness against regional threats from China and Pakistan. The ISTAR aircraft will deliver real-time, multi-domain situational awareness, enabling surgical strikes from stand-off distances while safeguarding Indian assets. This program, part of a broader ₹1.05 lakh crore modernization plan, positions India among a select group of nations with advanced airborne battlefield intelligence capabilities.