The defence minister, Rajnath Singh, heads the DAC. (File photo)
New Delhi: The defence ministry’s Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by the defence minister, Rajnath Singh, approved 24 capital acquisition proposals worth ₹84,560 crore, of which 98 per cent of the items will be sourced from domestic industries. The proposals include new generation anti-tank mines, air-defence tactical control radar, heavyweight torpedoes, medium-range maritime reconnaissance and multi-mission maritime aircraft, flight-refueler aircraft, and software-defined radios.
The approvals aim to enhance the operational capabilities of the armed forces and the Indian Coast Guard amid the global and regional security challenges. The proposals also include amendments in the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 to promote procurement of advanced technologies from startups and MSMEs.
Some of the major proposals approved by the DAC are:
* Procurement of a new generation of anti-tank mines having seismic sensors and provision of remote deactivation with additional safety features under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category. These mines are capable of neutralizing tanks and armoured personnel carriers and enemy personnel.
* Procurement of canister launched anti-armour loiter-munition system under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category. This system will enhance the operational efficiency and domination in the tactical battle area for engaging targets that are beyond visual line of sight by the mechanized forces.
* Procurement of air defence tactical control radar under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category. This radar will strengthen the air-defence systems, especially the capabilities to detect slow, small and low-flying targets as well as surveillance, detection and tracking of different targets.
* Procurement of medium range maritime reconnaissance and multi-mission maritime aircraft, through the “Buy and Make” category, for strengthening the surveillance and interdiction capabilities of the Indian Navy and the ICG over the country’s vast maritime area.
* Procurement of heavyweight torpedoes for enhancing the attacking capabilities of Kalvari-class submarines.
* Procurement of flight-refueller aircraft for enhancing the operational capabilities and reach of the Indian Air Force.
* Procurement of software-defined radios for the ICG under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category.
The DAC also accorded approval for sustainment support through follow-on support and repair replenishment support for 24 MH60R (Romeo) helicopters under “foreign military sale” route with the US government.
It may be noted that the DAC is the highest decision-making body for defence procurement in India. It meets regularly to review the progress of various capital acquisition proposals and accord necessary approvals.
