New Delhi: In a move that is set to escalate the arms race in South Asia, the Indian Ministry of Defence has approved a massive procurement deal worth Rs 1.45 lakh crore to acquire advanced warships and next-generation tanks.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has given the green light for the procurement of 2,000 future-ready combat vehicles (FRCVs), dubbed the next generation of tanks, and seven stealth warships that will be an upgrade over the currently under-construction Nilgiri class of ships.

The FRCVs will be embedded with cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, drone integration, and situational awareness, making them a formidable force on the battlefield. The stealth warships, part of Project 17B, will be equipped with state-of-the-art frigates, Brahmos cruise missiles, anti-submarine weaponry, and sophisticated electronic warfare systems.

This massive defense procurement deal is seen as a significant escalation of India’s military capabilities, posing a challenge to regional stability and potentially triggering an arms race in South Asia. The move is likely to be closely watched by neighboring countries, particularly China, which have their own military modernization programs underway.

Experts warn that this arms buildup could lead to a destabilization of the region, as countries engage in a competitive buildup of military capabilities, increasing the risk of conflict and undermining efforts towards regional peace and security.