Defence Boost: DAC Clears Massive Rs 2.12 Lakh Crore Procurement Plan
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chairs DAC meeting, approving Rs 2.12 lakh crore for Army, Navy, and Air Force with 82% indigenous sourcing.
In a major move to bolster India's national security and military readiness, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has granted the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for several capital acquisition proposals. Chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the council provided in-principle administrative approval for equipment and systems estimated to cost approximately Rs 2,12,000 crore.
A Massive Push for 'Make in India'
Highlighting the government's commitment to self-reliance in defence, the Ministry of Defence revealed a significant detail: approximately 82% of these procurements will be sourced from the Indian industry, further strengthening the domestic defence ecosystem.
Indian Army: Enhancing Mobility and Surveillance
The Indian Army is set to receive a wide array of advanced technology and hardware to handle diverse terrains and modern threats. The approved procurements include:
- High Mobility Vehicles (HMV): Designed to improve logistic support and operational mobility in challenging environments.
- Self-Propelled Tracked Gun System: Aimed at providing mechanised formations with superior firepower and matching mobility.
- Gun Shot Response System (GSRS): This system will act as a force multiplier by offering real-time situational awareness.
- Light Multi Role Helicopters (LMRH): To be shared by the Army and Air Force for combat, reconnaissance, search and rescue, and disaster relief.
- Air Defence & Anti-Drone Tech: The procurement includes Very Short-Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS) for small aerial threats and Platform Based Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) to protect tanks on the battlefield.
- Advanced Drone Systems: The list includes Unmanned Aerial System Brick Long Range, Surveillance UAVs, Integrated Surveillance and Strike Systems, and Long Range Kamikaze Drone Systems to sharpen targeting and monitoring.
Indian Navy: Shielding the Seas
To safeguard maritime borders and enhance combat effectiveness, the DAC has approved the procurement of:
- Active Offboard Decoy System (AODS): A critical addition to anti-missile defence, specifically designed to counter modern anti-ship missiles used by adversaries.
- Indigenous Naval Platforms: The approval covers major naval platforms designed and constructed within India, ensuring the Navy possesses cutting-edge warfare capabilities.
Indian Air Force: Strengthening the Skies
The Indian Air Force (IAF) will see a boost in its warfighting and transport capabilities through the acquisition of:
- Special Utility Helicopters: These will be deployed to meet essential air transport requirements.
- X-Band Doppler Weather Radar System: This system will provide high-resolution, localised weather surveillance, which is crucial for operations in forward areas.
- Air Defence Systems and Weapons: Additional procurement of weaponry and defence systems to enhance overall air superiority.