New Delhi: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday, approved capital acquisition proposals worth approximately Rs 2.12 lakh crore for the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.
The council accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), which represents in-principle approval for the proposed procurements. Around 82% of the total procurements will be sourced from Indian industry, according to an official statement.
For the Indian Army, the approvals cover High Mobility Vehicles, a Self-Propelled Tracked Gun System, Gun Shot Response System, Light Multi Role Helicopters, Very Short-Range Air Defence System, a Platform Based Counter Unmanned Aerial System, Unmanned Aerial System Brick Long Range, Surveillance UAV, Integrated Surveillance and Strike System, and a Long Range Kamikaze Drone System.
The High Mobility Vehicles are expected to improve operational capabilities, logistical support, and mobility in challenging terrains. The Self-Propelled Tracked Gun System will provide matching mobility and firepower to mechanised formations, while the Gun Shot Response System will strengthen real-time situational awareness.
The Light Multi Role Helicopters will serve both the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force in reconnaissance and surveillance, combat, search and rescue operations, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief activities.
The Very Short-Range Air Defence System will be used to engage new-generation, small-sized aerial threats. The Platform Based Counter Unmanned Aerial System is intended to enhance the survivability of tanks on the modern battlefield.
The approved surveillance and drone systems will further strengthen the Indian Army’s surveillance and targeting capabilities.
For the Indian Navy, the DAC approved the procurement of an Active Offboard Decoy System (AODS) and other major naval platforms. The AODS is expected to strengthen anti-missile defence, particularly against modern anti-ship missiles used by adversaries.
The indigenously designed and constructed naval platforms will incorporate modern warfare capabilities and enhance the Navy’s combat strength.
For the Indian Air Force, the approvals cover helicopters, air defence systems, weapons and a Mobile X-Band Doppler Weather Radar System to strengthen air defence and war-fighting capabilities.
The procurement of Special Utility Helicopters will help meet the Air Force’s air transport requirements. The X-Band Doppler Weather Radar System will provide high-resolution, localised weather surveillance in forward areas.
The emphasis on domestic procurement is reflected in the council’s decision to source approximately 82% of the approved acquisitions from Indian industry.
