DAC clears eight defence deals worth ₹54,000 crore, sets rules for faster procurement

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Thursday approved eight capital acquisition proposals worth over ₹54,000 crore, while also introducing guidelines to expedite the procurement process.

The approvals include the procurement of 1,350 horsepower engines for T-90 tanks, Varunastra torpedoes, and Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft systems.

"For the Indian Army, AoN for procurement of 1350 HP Engine was accorded to upgrade the present 1000 HP Engine for the T-90 Tanks," the defence ministry said in a statement.

The procurement of T-90 tanks will enhance the battlefield mobility of these tanks especially in high-altitude areas by increasing the power-to-weight ratio, the ministry added.

The induction of additional Varunastra, an indigenously-developed ship-launched anti-submarine torpedo developed by the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory, would enhance the Navy's capability against adversaries' submarine threats.

AEW&C systems are capability enhancers which can change the complete spectrum of warfare and exponentially increase the combat potential of every other weapon system.

The DAC granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for these projects in a step towards modernising India's military infrastructure.

In a bid to streamline acquisition timelines, the council also cleared new guidelines designed to reduce delays in defence procurement for faster delivery of critical equipment to the forces.