Defence ministry clears ₹1.10 lakh crore acquisition proposals; 98% to come from Indian industry

The defence acquisition council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Monday accorded acceptance of necessity (AoN), or in-principle administrative approval, to various capital acquisition proposals of the armed forces worth an estimated ₹1.10 lakh crore.

The approvals cover equipment and systems for the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, with approximately 98% of the procurements expected to be sourced from Indian industry, according to the Ministry of Defence.

Army to get mobility and combat equipment

For the Indian Army, the DAC cleared proposals for chemical biological radiological and nuclear (CBRN) reconnaissance vehicles, high mobility vehicles (HMVs), self-propelled mechanical mine layers (MML), advanced light helicopters (ALHs), trawl tanks and the Sarvatra Bridge System.

The CBRN reconnaissance vehicles will be equipped to detect, identify, monitor and mark areas contaminated with CBRN agents. HMVs are aimed at strengthening operational capabilities, logistics support and mobility in challenging terrains.

The ministry said the MMLs will provide the Army with fast and responsive minelaying capabilities in difficult terrain. The ALHs will undertake complex missions across different terrains and operational situations for both the Army and the Air Force.

The trawl tanks and Sarvatra Bridge System will be used to provide composite crossings to fighting formations during operations across varied terrains.

Navy gets radar and propulsion boost

For the Indian Navy, the DAC accorded AoN for the procurement of Arudhra radars, as well as the design and development followed by procurement of marine gas turbines (MGTs).

The Arudhra radar is intended to replace existing air route surveillance radars at various naval air stations. The ministry said the MGT programme, which relates to warship propulsion, will help reduce dependence on foreign vendors.

IAF proposals focus on electronic warfare

For the Indian Air Force, the council approved proposals aimed at enhancing the war-fighting capabilities of fighters, transport aircraft and helicopters.

It also cleared procurement of ground-based multi-purpose jammers (GBMPJ) and installation of the Defence Forces Secure Access Card (DEFSAC) system. The GBMPJ will provide effective jamming against adversary radars.

The DEFSAC system will replace existing paper-based identity cards, passes and permits with an interoperable RFID-based smart-card system.

The Ministry of Defence said approximately 98% of the total AoNs accorded will be procured from Indian industry, underlining the domestic sourcing component of the latest acquisition proposals.