DAC Clears Defence Acquisition Proposals Worth Over ₹1.10 Lakh Crore

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved capital acquisition proposals worth more than ₹1.10 lakh crore for the Indian Armed Forces, with around 98 per cent of the procurements expected to be sourced from Indian industry.

For the Indian Army, the approvals include Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Recce Vehicles, High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs), Self-Propelled Mechanical Mine Layers (MMLs), Advanced Light Helicopters (ALHs), Trawl Tanks and the Sarvatra Bridge System.

The CBRN Recce Vehicles will help detect, identify, monitor and mark areas contaminated by hazardous CBRN agents. HMVs are expected to strengthen troop mobility, logistics and operational support in difficult terrain, while MMLs will enable rapid and responsive mine-laying operations.

The ALHs will support complex missions across diverse terrains and operational conditions. Trawl Tanks and the Sarvatra Bridge System will provide fighting formations with essential crossing capabilities during military operations across varied terrain.

For the Indian Navy, the DAC granted Acceptance of Necessity for the acquisition of Arudhra Radars and for the design, development and subsequent procurement of Marine Gas Turbines (MGTs). The Arudhra systems will replace existing Air Route Surveillance Radars at various naval air stations. The indigenous development of MGTs, which are used for warship propulsion, is also aimed at reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.

For the Indian Air Force, the Council cleared several proposals aimed at strengthening the operational capabilities of fighter aircraft, transport platforms and helicopters. Approval was also given for Ground-Based Multi-Purpose Jammers (GBMPJs) and the Defence Forces Secure Access Card (DEFSAC) system.

The GBMPJ is designed to disrupt and jam adversary radar systems, while DEFSAC will replace paper-based identity cards, passes and permits with interoperable smart cards based on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology.

The latest approvals underline the government’s push towards greater self-reliance in defence manufacturing, with the overwhelming majority of the proposed acquisitions expected to benefit domestic defence companies and strengthen India’s indigenous military-industrial capabilities.

Source: News on AIR