The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Monday accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for various capital acquisition proposals for the armed forces worth approximately Rs 1.10 lakh crore.
The approvals cover a range of equipment and systems for the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, with around 98 per cent of the procurements to be sourced from Indian industry.
For the Indian Army, the DAC approved the procurement of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) reconnaissance vehicles, High Mobility Vehicles, Self-Propelled Mechanical Mine Layers, Advanced Light Helicopters (ALHs), Trawl Tanks and the Sarvatra Bridge System.
The CBRN reconnaissance vehicles will be used to detect, identify, monitor and mark areas contaminated by hazardous CBRN agents, while High Mobility Vehicles are expected to strengthen operational mobility and logistical support in challenging terrain.
The Self-Propelled Mechanical Mine Layers will provide the Army with faster and more responsive mine-laying capabilities, particularly in difficult terrain. The ALHs will be deployed for complex missions across varied terrains and operational conditions by the Army and Air Force.
The Trawl Tanks and Sarvatra Bridge System will support fighting formations by providing composite crossing capabilities during operations across different terrains.
For the Indian Navy, the council granted AoN for the procurement of Arudhra Radars and for the design, development and subsequent procurement of Marine Gas Turbines (MGTs).
The Arudhra Radars will replace existing Air Route Surveillance Radars at various naval air stations. The indigenously developed Marine Gas Turbines, which are used as warship propulsion systems, are aimed at reducing the Navy’s dependence on foreign suppliers.
For the Indian Air Force, the DAC cleared several proposals aimed at enhancing the war-fighting capabilities of fighter aircraft, transport aircraft and helicopters. Approval was also granted for the procurement of Ground-Based Multi-Purpose Jammers (GBMPJ) and installation of the Defence Forces Secure Access Card (DEFSAC) system.
The GBMPJ will provide electronic warfare capabilities to counter adversary radars through effective jamming. The DEFSAC system will replace existing paper-based identity cards, passes and permits with interoperable Radio Frequency Identification-based smart cards.
With approximately 98 per cent of the approved procurements planned from Indian industry, the decisions are expected to provide a significant boost to indigenous defence production and the country’s efforts towards greater self-reliance in defence.
