In a major move that is aimed at enhancing the capability of the Indian armed forces, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Monday, accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for various proposals of the three Services worth ₹79,000 crore.
The procurement will include radars, radios, automatic take-off landing recording systems and other equipment for the Indian Army, Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force. The council’s decisions shows a focused push to modernise capabilities, enhance operational readiness, and counter the emerging security challenges across land, sea and air domains, with a focus on self-reliance in defence.
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AoN was approved for the procurement of loitering munition systems for Artillery Regiments, Low-Level Light Weight Radars, Long-Range Guided Rocket Ammunition for Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MRLS), and Integrated Drone Detection & Interdiction System Mk-II for the Indian Army.
Loiter munitions will be used for precision strike of tactical targets, while Low-Level Light Weight Radars will detect and track small-sized, low-flying unmanned aerial systems. Long Range Guided Rockets will enhance the range and accuracy of Pinaka MRLS for effective engagement of high-value targets, the defence ministery said in a release.
"Integrated Drone Detection & Interdiction System Mk-II with enhanced range will protect the vital assets of the Indian Army in Tactical Battle Area and Hinterland."
The council accorded AoN for procurement of Bollard Pull (BP) Tugs, High Frequency Software Defined Radios (HF SDR) Manpack, and for leasing High Altitude Long Range (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) for the Indian Navy.
The induction of BP Tugs will assist the Indian Navy ships and submarines in berthing, unberthing, and maneuvering in confined waters/harbor, the defence ministry stated.
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The HF SDR will enhance long-range secured communication during boarding and landing operations, while HALE RPAS will ensure continuous Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and credible Maritime Domain Awareness over the Indian Ocean Region.
For the Indian Air Force, AoN was approved for the procurement of Automatic Take-off Landing Recording System, Astra Mk-II Missiles, Full Mission Simulator and SPICE-1000 Long Range Guidance Kits.
Induction of the Automatic Take-off Landing Recording System will fill the gaps in the aerospace safety environment by providing high-definition, all-weather automatic recording of landing and take-off.
Astra Mk-II Missiles with enhanced range will increase the capability of the fighter aircraft to neutralise adversary aircraft from a large standoff range. "Full Mission Simulator for Light Combat Aircraft Tejas will augment pilots’ training in a cost-effective and safe manner, while SPICE-1000 will enhance long-range precision strike capability of the Indian Air Force."