India has approved another massive tranche of arms purchases worth $5.5 billion as part of an effort aimed at modernizing its armed forces.

The Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) signed off on the proposals “to enhance combat readiness of defense forces.” In March, New Delhi gave the green light for arms purchases worth $25 billion.

The procurement will include the anti-drone and electronic warfare system Akash Tarang, man-portable anti-tank guided missile systems, a medium range surface-to-air missile system, a very short-range air defense system, active protection system for tanks, and a jet-based kamikaze drone system for the Indian Army.

The Defense Ministry said the Akash Tarang would provide effective anti-drone protection to army formations. 

The DAC also approved purchases of naval mines, shipborne drones, and a testing facility for boosting maritime defense and surveillance capabilities.

New Delhi also wants to buy a high-altitude unmanned aircraft platform, to be deployed by the Indian Air Force for intelligence gathering and remote sensing.

India moved to modernize its armed forces following a brief military conflict with nuclear-armed rival Pakistan last year, and now has a defense budget of $85 billion – a record 15% annual increase. 

Capital expenditure for the armed forces has been set at $23 billion, intended for funding major procurement programs.

India has been the world’s leading importer of major arms (by value) since 1950, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).