Defence Acquisition Council Clears Rs 84,560 Crore Proposals to Boost Indian Armed Forces
In a significant move to bolster the capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces and the Indian Coast Guard, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has greenlit capital acquisition proposals worth Rs 84,560 crore.
Focus on ‘Aatmanirbharta’
The Ministry of Defence emphasized that these approvals, granted on February 16, 2024, underscore the nation’s commitment to self-reliance, with a special emphasis on procuring various equipment from Indian vendors. This move aligns with the government’s ‘Aatmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) initiative, aimed at reducing dependency on foreign imports.
Enhancing Military Capabilities
The approved proposals encompass a diverse range of equipment aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of the armed forces. These include new generation anti-tank mines, Air Defence Tactical Control Radar, Heavy Weight Torpedoes, Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance and Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft, Flight Refueller Aircraft, and Software Defined Radios.
The DAC meeting today cleared capital acquisition proposals worth Rs 84,560 crore to boost the capabilities of the Armed Forces & Indian Coast Guard.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) February 16, 2024
⁰The Amendments in Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 were also cleared to promote procurement of advanced technologies from…
Promoting Indigenous Technologies
In a bid to promote indigenous innovation, the DAC has also cleared amendments to the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020. These amendments aim to facilitate the procurement of advanced technologies from startups and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Defence Minister Rajnath Singh underscored the importance of these amendments, highlighting their role in fostering a conducive environment for startups and MSMEs.
Strengthening Air Defence Systems
The DAC’s approval includes the procurement of Air Defence Tactical Control Radar under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category. This move is geared towards bolstering air defence systems, particularly in detecting slow, small, and low-flying targets, as well as enhancing surveillance capabilities.
Empowering Indian Navy and Coast Guard
Furthermore, the DAC has sanctioned the procurement of Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance and Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft to augment surveillance and interdiction capabilities of the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard. This decision reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests.
Modernizing Naval Fleet
To ensure naval superiority, the DAC has approved the procurement of Active Towed Array Sonar for Indian Naval Ships. This cutting-edge technology will enable long-range detection of adversary submarines, thereby enhancing maritime security.
Bolstering Submarine Warfare
In a bid to enhance submarine warfare capabilities, the DAC has greenlit the procurement of Heavy Weight Torpedoes for Kalvari Class submarines. Additionally, sustainment support for MH60R aircraft and Flight Refueller Aircraft has been sanctioned to enhance the operational reach of the Indian Air Force.
Advancing Communication Systems
Acknowledging the importance of seamless communication, the DAC has approved the procurement of Software Defined Radios for the Indian Coast Guard. This move aims to meet the communication requirements of the Coast Guard and facilitate information exchange with the Indian Navy units.
Budgetary Allocations
The recent allocations underscore the government’s commitment to modernizing the defence sector. In the Interim Budget 2024, a substantial sum of Rs 6.21 lakh crore was allocated to the Ministry of Defence, reflecting a 4.72 percent increase from the previous fiscal year.
With these approvals and budgetary allocations, India is poised to strengthen its defence capabilities, promote indigenous innovation, and fortify its strategic position in the region.
