New Delhi, Jul 3 (NVI): The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Friday accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisition proposals worth about ₹52,000 crore aimed at enhancing the combat readiness of the armed forces.
The approvals cover a range of advanced weapon systems and platforms for the Army, Navy and Air Force.
For the Indian Army, the DAC cleared procurement of the Anti-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Electronic Warfare System ‘Akash Tarang’, Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) systems, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) weapon system, Very Short Range Air Defence System (V-SHORADS), Active Protection System for tanks and Jet-Based Kamikaze Drone System.
According to the Defence Ministry, the Akash Tarang system will provide effective protection against hostile drones, while the MPATGM will strengthen the infantry’s capability against mechanised threats. The MRSAM system is designed to provide medium-range air defence against various aerial threats.
The V-SHORADS will improve air defence with enhanced countermeasure resilience, while the Active Protection System is intended to improve the survivability of tanks. The jet-based kamikaze drone system will enhance electronic warfare capability with greater lethality and operational effectiveness.
For the Indian Navy, the DAC approved procurement of Multi Influence Ground Mines (MIGM), Naval Shipborne Unmanned Aerial Systems (NSUAS) and establishment of a Land-Based Testing Facility (LBTF) for electric propulsion systems.
The ministry said the MIGM will enhance maritime area denial capability, the NSUAS will improve surveillance and situational awareness, while the testing facility will support the development and validation of electric propulsion systems for naval platforms.
For the Indian Air Force, the council approved procurement of Fixed-Wing High Altitude Pseudo Satellites (FW-HAPS) and other proposals.
The FW-HAPS platform is expected to provide persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, besides supporting telecommunications and remote sensing missions, the ministry said.(NVI)
