The Defence Acquisition Council, under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on approved various defence procurement proposals, seeking to enhance the combat capabilities of the armed forces. The proposals are worth about Rs 67,000 crore.
For the Indian Army, Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) was accorded for the procurement of thermal imager-based driver night sight for the infantry fighting vehicle, BMP. This will increase the night driving capability of BMP and provide higher mobility and operational advantage to the Mechanised Infantry.
For the Indian Navy, AoN was accorded for the procurement of compact autonomous surface craft, BrahMos fire control system and launchers and upgradation of BARAK-1 point defence missile system. The procurement of compact autonomous surface draft will make the Indian Navy more fierce as it will boost the ability to detect, classify and neutralise threats in anti-submarine warfare missions.
For the Indian Air Force, AoN for procurement of Mountain Radars and Upgradation of SAKSHAM/SPYDER Weapon System was accorded.
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According to the defence ministry, the procurement of mountain radars will enhance the air surveillance capability along and across the borders in the mountainous region, while the upgradation of SAKSHAM/SPYDER System for integration with Integrated Air Command and Control System will enhance the Air Defence capability.
AoN was also accorded for the procurement of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs) for the three Services. The proposed MALE RPAs can carry multiple payloads and weapons and operate at longer ranges for long endurance missions, significantly enhancing the round-the-clock surveillance and combat capability of the armed forces.
“In addition, DAC has also accorded AoN for sustenance of C-17 and C-130J fleets and comprehensive annual maintenance contract of S-400 Long Range Air Defence Missile System,” the defence ministry said in a release.
