New Delhi, Oct 26 (NVI): The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Monday approved capital acquisition proposals worth approximately Rs 2.12 lakh crore for the armed forces, with around 82 per cent of the procurements to be made from the domestic industry.
The council accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), or in-principle approval, to a range of proposals aimed at enhancing the operational preparedness, surveillance, mobility and combat capabilities of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.
For the Army, the approvals include the procurement of High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs), Self-Propelled Tracked Gun Systems, Gun Shot Response Systems (GSRS), Light Multi Role Helicopters (LMRH), Very Short-Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS), and platform-based Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS).
The VSHORADS will help counter emerging small aerial threats, while the platform-based C-UAS will enhance the survivability of tanks on the modern battlefield. The proposed surveillance and drone systems are expected to strengthen the Army’s surveillance, target acquisition and strike capabilities.
For the Indian Navy, the DAC approved the procurement of an Active Offboard Decoy System (AODS) and other major naval platforms.
The AODS is expected to strengthen the Navy’s anti-missile defence capabilities, particularly against modern anti-ship missiles. The indigenously designed and constructed naval platforms will incorporate modern warfare capabilities and enhance the Navy’s overall combat potential.
For the Indian Air Force, the council accorded approval for the procurement of helicopters, air defence systems, weapons and a Mobile X-Band Doppler Weather Radar System to bolster its air defence and war-fighting capabilities.
The proposed Special Utility Helicopters will help meet the Air Force’s air transport requirements, while the Doppler Weather Radar System will provide high-resolution, localised weather surveillance in forward areas.
The Defence Ministry said approximately 82 per cent of the total procurement proposals accorded AoN would be sourced from Indian industry, underscoring the focus on domestic defence manufacturing and self-reliance in the sector.
The Acceptance of Necessity marks an initial stage in the defence procurement process and is followed by further procedural steps before contracts are awarded.—(NVI)
