Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Oct 26: The government on Monday cleared capital acquisition proposals worth around Rs 2.12 lakh crore for the defence forces, with nearly 82 per cent of the procurements earmarked for Indian industry.
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), or in-principle administrative approval, to various capital acquisition proposals of the defence forces at an estimated cost of Rs 2,12,000 crore.
According to an official statement, the Indian Army received approval for 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), platform-based counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), unmanned aerial system brick long-range, surveillance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), an integrated surveillance and strike system, and a long-range kamikaze drone system.
The ministry said the HMVs would enhance operational capabilities, logistics support and mobility in challenging terrains. The self-propelled tracked gun systems would provide mechanised formations with matching mobility and firepower, while the GSRS would act as a force multiplier by providing real-time situational awareness of forces.
The LMRHs will be used by both the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force for reconnaissance, surveillance, combat operations, search and rescue of troops, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, among other tasks.
The VSHORADS will help engage new-generation, small-sized aerial threats, while the C-UAS will improve the survivability of tanks on the modern battlefield. The surveillance and drone systems are expected to strengthen the Indian Army’s surveillance and targeting capabilities.
For the Indian Navy, the DAC approved the procurement of an Active Offboard Decoy System (AODS) and other major naval platforms. The AODS will enhance the effectiveness of anti-missile defence, particularly against modern anti-ship missiles deployed by adversaries.
The Defence Ministry said indigenously designed and constructed major naval platforms would incorporate modern warfare capabilities and strengthen the Navy’s combat potential.
For the Indian Air Force, approval was accorded for the procurement of helicopters, air defence systems, weapons and a mobile X-Band Doppler weather radar system to enhance air defence and warfighting capabilities.
The procurement of special utility helicopters will help the Indian Air Force meet critical air transport requirements, while the X-Band Doppler weather radar system will provide high-resolution, localised weather surveillance in forward areas.