The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Monday cleared capital acquisition proposals estimated at around Rs 1.10 lakh crore for the armed forces, with about 98 per cent of the procurement set to be sourced from Indian industry. The council accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), or in-principle administrative approval, for a range of systems and equipment for the Army, Navy and Air Force as part of efforts to strengthen operational capabilities while reducing dependence on overseas suppliers.
Army gets major capability boost
For the Indian Army, the DAC cleared the procurement of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) reconnaissance vehicles, High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs), Self-Propelled Mechanical Mine Layers (MMLs), Advanced Light Helicopters (ALHs), Trawl Tanks and the Sarvatra Bridge System. CBRN reconnaissance vehicles will enable forces to detect, identify, monitor and mark areas contaminated by hazardous agents, while HMVs are expected to improve mobility and logistics support in challenging terrain. The mechanical mine layers will provide faster mine-laying capability in difficult terrain, while the ALHs will undertake complex missions for both the Army and Air Force. Trawl Tanks and the Sarvatra Bridge System will help fighting formations negotiate obstacles and establish crossings during operations.
Navy pushes indigenous propulsion
For the Indian Navy, the DAC accorded AoN for the procurement of Arudhra Radars as well as the design, development and subsequent acquisition of Marine Gas Turbines (MGTs). The Arudhra systems will replace existing Air Route Surveillance Radars at various naval air stations. The development of MGTs, which serve as propulsion systems for warships, is expected to reduce India's dependence on foreign vendors for a critical naval technology.
IAF to strengthen electronic warfare
The DAC also cleared several proposals aimed at enhancing the war-fighting capabilities of the Indian Air Force's fighter, transport and helicopter fleets. Among the approvals is the procurement of Ground-Based Multi-Purpose Jammers (GBMPJs), designed to provide effective jamming against adversary radars.
Approval was also granted for installing the Defence Forces Secure Access Card (DEFSAC) system. The RFID-based interoperable smart-card system will replace existing paper-based identity cards, passes and permits used by the defence forces. With around 98 per cent of the overall procurement envisaged from domestic industry, the Rs 1.10 lakh crore package marks another major push towards indigenous defence manufacturing and greater self-reliance in critical military systems.