India on Thursday cleared capital acquisition proposals worth about Rs 3.60 lakh crore to strengthen the combat readiness of its armed forces, the Defence Ministry said.
The Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for multiple proposals from the services. For the Indian Air Force (IAF), the council approved the procurement of Multi Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) — Rafale, combat missiles and an Air-Ship Based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (AS-HAPS).
The MRFA acquisition will strengthen the IAF’s air dominance capability across the full spectrum of conflict and enhance deterrence through long-range offensive strike capability. The ministry said most of the fighter aircraft will be manufactured in India. The approved combat missiles will improve stand-off ground attack capability, providing deep-strike power with high accuracy. The AS-HAPS platform will support persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, electronic intelligence, telecommunications and remote sensing for military use.
For the Indian Army, the council cleared the procurement of Anti-Tank Mines (Vibhav) and approved the overhaul of vehicle platforms of Armoured Recovery Vehicles, T-72 tanks and Infantry Combat Vehicles (BMP-II). The Vibhav mines will serve as anti-tank obstacle systems to delay the advance of enemy mechanised forces. The overhaul programme will extend the service life of key platforms and ensure operational readiness.
The council also approved proposals for the Indian Navy, including the acquisition of a 04 MW Marine Gas Turbine-based Electric Power Generator and P8I Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft. The induction of the 04 MW generator under the Make-I category of the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 aims to reduce dependence on foreign manufacturers and ensure self-reliance in the Navy’s power generation requirements. The P8I aircraft will enhance the Navy’s long-range anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance and maritime strike capabilities.
For the Indian Coast Guard, the council cleared the procurement of Electro-Optical/Infra-Red systems for Dornier aircraft to strengthen maritime surveillance.
