Defence Acquisition Council approves proposals worth ₹7,800 crore to boost Indian Armed Forces
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the apex body for defence procurement in India, has given its approval for various capital acquisition proposals worth approximately ₹7,800 crore on August 24, 2023. The proposals aim to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force, Army and Navy by procuring indigenous equipment and systems.
Electronic Warfare Suite for Mi-17 V5 Helicopters
One of the major proposals approved by the DAC is the procurement and installation of Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite on Mi-17 V5 Helicopters under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category. The EW Suite will be procured from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Defence. The EW Suite will provide better survivability and protection to the helicopters from enemy radars and missiles.
Ground-Based Autonomous System for Mechanised Infantry and Armoured Regiments
The DAC has also accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for procurement of a Ground-Based Autonomous System for mechanised infantry and armoured regiments. The system will enable various operations such as unmanned surveillance, logistic delivery of ammunition, fuel and spares, and casualty evacuation on the battlefield. The system will enhance the mobility and effectiveness of the mechanised forces.
Light Machine Gun, Bridge Laying Tank and Ruggedised Laptops and Tablets
The DAC has also given its nod for procurement of a 7.62x51 mm Light Machine Gun (LMG) and Bridge Laying Tank (BLT) for the Indian Army. The induction of LMG will enhance the fighting capabilities of infantry forces, while the induction of BLT will result in faster movement of mechanised forces across obstacles. The DAC has also approved the procurement of ruggedised laptops and tablets for the Indian Army under Project Shakti, which will improve the situational awareness and command and control capabilities.
Weapons for MH-60R Helicopters of Indian Navy
The DAC has also approved the procurement of weapons for the MH-60R Helicopters of the Indian Navy, which were acquired from the US in a deal worth $2.4 billion in 2020. The weapons include torpedoes, missiles and rockets that will enhance the anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare and anti-air warfare capabilities of the helicopters.
Conclusion
The DAC's approval for these proposals is a significant step towards achieving self-reliance and indigenisation in defence sector. The proposals will boost the operational readiness and combat effectiveness of the Indian Armed Forces in various scenarios. The DAC is headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and comprises senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, the three services and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).¹²³⁴
Source:
(1) Defence Council approves armed forces' proposals worth Rs 7,800 crore. https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2023/aug/24/defence-council-approves-armed-forces-proposals-worth-rs-7800-crore-2608369.html.
(2) Defence Acquisition Council approves proposals worth ₹7,800 crore. https://www.livemint.com/news/india/defence-acquisition-council-approves-proposals-worth-rs-7-800-crore-11692877940647.html.
(3) Defence ministry clears acquisition proposals worth Rs 7,800 crore. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/defence-ministry-clears-acquisition-proposals-worth-rs-7-800-crore-537945.
(4) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh-Led Panel Approves Acquisition Proposals .... https://news.abplive.com/news/india/defence-minister-rajnath-singh-defence-acquisition-council-approves-acquisition-proposals-worth-rs-7-800-crore-1625173.
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