New Delhi: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Friday approved defence acquisition proposals worth about Rs 52,000 crore to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.
The council accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), the in-principle administrative approval required before procurement, for a range of advanced defence systems across the three services, according to an official statement.
For the Indian Army, the DAC approved the procurement of the Anti-Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Electronic Warfare System ‘AKASH TARANG’, Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile Systems, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile Weapon System (MRSAM), Very Short Range Air Defence System (V-SHORADS), Active Protection System for tanks, and Jet-Based Kamikaze Drone System.
According to the Defence Ministry, AKASH TARANG will provide effective protection against hostile drones for Army formations. The MPATGM will strengthen the infantry’s capability to counter enemy armoured vehicles, while the MRSAM system will provide medium-range air defence against multiple aerial threats.
The V-SHORADS, equipped with multi-spectral sensing, will improve air defence by enhancing resistance to countermeasures. The Active Protection System will boost the survivability of tanks, while the Jet-Based Kamikaze Drone System will enhance electronic warfare capability with greater lethality, survivability, and cost-effectiveness.
For the Indian Navy, the DAC approved the procurement of Multi-Influence Ground Mine (MIGM), Naval Shipborne Unmanned Aerial System (NSUAS), and the establishment of a Land-Based Testing Facility for Electric Propulsion Systems.
The ministry said the MIGM will help deny freedom of manoeuvre to adversaries at sea. The NSUAS, equipped with advanced sensors, will improve maritime surveillance and situational awareness.
The proposed testing facility will support the evaluation of motors and propulsion systems used in Indian naval platforms.
For the Indian Air Force, the council approved the procurement of a Fixed-Wing Based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (FW-HAPS), and other proposals.
The FW-HAPS platform will provide persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, along with telecommunication and remote sensing capabilities, significantly enhancing the Indian Air Force’s operational reach.
The approvals were granted during the Defence Acquisition Council meeting held under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on July 3.
The procurement proposals are aimed at strengthening the operational capabilities of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force through the acquisition of advanced defence systems.
