New Delhi: A top-level government body today approved various defence acquisition proposals, including procurement of more Rafale Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft, Combat Missiles and Air and Ship-based High Altitude Pseudo Satellites (AS-HAPS) at an estimated cost of Rs 3.650 lakh crore.
The Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for these proposals for these acquisitions was cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council, under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh here.
The procurement of MRFA will enhance the capability of undertaking air dominance roles across the spectrum of conflict and significantly boost the deterrence capabilities of IAF with long range offensive strikes.
The majority of MRFA to be procured will be manufactured in India.
The Combat Missiles will enhance the stand-off ground attack capability with deep strike power and very high accuracy.
The AS-HAPS will be utilised towards carrying out persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Electronic Intelligence, telecommunication and remote sensing for military purposes.
For the Indian Army, AoN was accorded for the procurement of Anti-Tank Mines (Vibhav) and overhaul of Vehicle Platforms of Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARVs), T-72 Tanks and Infantry Combat Vehicles (BMP-II).
Vibhav mines will be laid as an anti-tank obstacle system to delay the advance of enemy mechanized forces.
The overhaul of vehicle platforms of ARVs, T-72 Tanks and BMP-II will enhance service life of equipment ensuring readiness and operational effectiveness of the Indian Army.
For the Indian Navy, AoN was cleared for 04 MW Marine Gas Turbine based Electric Power Generator and P8I Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft.
Induction of 04 MW Marine Gas Turbine based Electric Power Generator under Make-I category of Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 will minimise the dependency on foreign manufacturers, ensure self-reliance in power generation requirement of Indian Navy.
The acquisition of P8I aircraft will significantly boost the Navy’s combat/war-fighting capability of long-range anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance and maritime strike capability.
For the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), AoN was accorded for the procurement of Electro-Optical/Infra-Red system for Dornier aircraft. The procurement will assist in enhancing the efficacy of maritime surveillance capability of the ICG.
