New Delhi, 26 October (H.S.): The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Monday approved proposals for the procurement of military equipment worth approximately Rs. 2.12 lakh crore for the Indian armed forces. Around 82 per cent of the total approved capital acquisition proposals will be sourced from Indian industries, underscoring the government’s emphasis on strengthening domestic defence manufacturing.

The government has granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), which constitutes in-principle approval, for various capital acquisition proposals estimated to cost approximately Rs. 2,12,000 crore.

The approved procurements for the Indian Army include high-mobility vehicles, self-propelled tracked gun systems, gunshot response systems, light multi-role helicopters, very short-range air defence systems, platform-based counter-unmanned aerial systems, long-range unmanned aerial systems, surveillance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), integrated surveillance and strike systems, and long-range kamikaze drone systems.

The high-mobility vehicles are expected to enhance the Army’s operational effectiveness, logistical support and mobility in challenging terrain. Self-propelled tracked gun systems will provide mechanised formations with compatible mobility and firepower, while gunshot response systems will serve as force multipliers by delivering real-time situational awareness to troops.

Light multi-role helicopters will be used by both the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force for reconnaissance and surveillance, combat operations, search and rescue missions, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Similarly, very short-range air defence systems will help counter emerging threats posed by small aerial targets. Surveillance UAVs are expected to improve the survivability of tanks on the modern battlefield, while surveillance and drone systems will strengthen the Indian Army’s surveillance and targeting capabilities.

For the Indian Navy, the council approved the procurement of active off-board decoy systems (AODS) and other major naval platforms. The AODS will enhance the Navy’s defensive capabilities against modern anti-ship missiles. Major naval platforms designed and built indigenously will incorporate advanced warfare capabilities, further strengthening the Navy’s combat effectiveness.

For the Indian Air Force, the council cleared the procurement of helicopter air-defence systems, weapons and mobile X-band Doppler weather radar systems to enhance its air-defence and combat capabilities.

The procurement of special utility helicopters will help meet the Indian Air Force’s essential air transportation requirements. Meanwhile, mobile X-band Doppler weather radar systems will enable high-resolution, localised weather monitoring in forward areas.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar