DAC clears defence acquisition proposals worth ₹2.12 lakh crore; 82% to be sourced domestically

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Monday accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) to capital acquisition proposals worth around ₹2.12 lakh crore for the armed forces.

About 82% of the procurement will be sourced from the Indian industry, the defence ministry said in a statement.

The approvals cover a range of military equipment and systems for the Army, Navy and Air Force, including artillery systems, helicopters, air defence systems, unmanned aerial vehicles and naval platforms.

For the Indian Army, the DAC approved proposals for procuring High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs), a Self-Propelled Tracked Gun System, Gun Shot Response System (GSRS), Light Multi Role Helicopters (LMRH), Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) and a Platform Based Counter Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS).

The approvals also include an Unmanned Aerial System Brick Long Range, Surveillance UAV, Integrated Surveillance and Strike System and Long Range Kamikaze Drone System.

The HMVs are expected to enhance operational capabilities, logistics support and mobility in challenging terrains, while the Self-Propelled Tracked Gun System will provide matching mobility and firepower to mechanised formations.

The GSRS will act as a force multiplier by providing real-time situational awareness of forces, while the VSHORADS will be capable of engaging new-generation, small-sized aerial threats.

The C-UAS system is expected to improve the survivability of tanks on the modern battlefield. The surveillance and drone systems will enhance the Army's surveillance and targeting capabilities.

The Light Multi Role Helicopters will be used by both the Army and the Air Force for reconnaissance and surveillance, combat, search and rescue of troops, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

The council approved the procurement of an Active Offboard Decoy System (AODS) and other major naval platforms for the Indian Navy.

The AODS will enhance the effectiveness of the Navy's anti-missile defence, particularly against modern anti-ship missiles deployed by adversaries, the ministry said.

For the Indian Air Force, the DAC cleared proposals for helicopters, air defence systems, weapons and a Mobile X-Band Doppler Weather Radar System to enhance its air defence and war-fighting capabilities.

The proposed procurement of Special Utility Helicopters will help meet the Air Force's air transport requirements, while the X-Band Doppler Weather Radar System will provide high-resolution, localised weather surveillance in forward areas.

Acceptance of Necessity is an in-principle approval for a proposed defence acquisition and precedes subsequent stages of the procurement process.