Defence panel clears Rs 1.1 lakh crore military purchases, 98 pc from local industry

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New Delhi, September 7

Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on monday given in-principle approval to defence acquisition proposals worth about ₹1.1 lakh crore, covering new equipment for the Army, Navy and Air Force. The approvals, known as Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), include chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) reconnaissance vehicles, high-mobility vehicles, mine-laying systems, helicopters, trawl tanks and bridge systems for the Indian Army.

The CBRN reconnaissance vehicles will be used to detect, identify and monitor areas contaminated by hazardous agents, while high-mobility vehicles are intended to improve troop mobility and logistical support in difficult terrain.

The Army will also acquire self propelled mechanical mine layers to strengthen rapid mine laying capabilities. Besides it, the advanced Light Helicopters (ALHs) will support complex missions across different terrains and operational conditions.

Trawl tanks and the Sarvatra Bridge System will help fighting formations cross obstacles and waterways during military operations.

For the Indian Navy, the council approved the procurement of Arudhra radars and the design, development and subsequent procurement of marine gas turbines.

The defence officials said that the Arudhra radars are intended to replace existing air route surveillance radars at naval air stations. Marine gas turbines, which are used for warship propulsion, are expected to reduce the Navy’s dependence on foreign suppliers.

The Indian Air Force also received approval for several proposals aimed at strengthening the capabilities of fighter aircraft, transport aircraft and helicopters. The council approved the procurement of Ground-Based Multi-Purpose Jammers (GBMPJ), which are designed to disrupt adversary radar systems.

Approval was also given for the Defence Forces Secure Access Card (DEFSAC) system. The RFID-based smart-card system will replace existing paper-based identity cards, passes and permits with an interoperable digital system. The latest approvals cover a wide range of operational, mobility, surveillance, electronic warfare and logistical requirements across the three services.