With a view to sustaining the modernisation drive and operational readiness of the Armed forces, ten proposals worth `1,45 lakh crore were given the go-ahead on Tuesday. They include Future Ready Combat Vehicles, Air Defence Fire Control Radars, Dornier-228 aircraft, Next Generation Fast Patrol and Offshore Patrol Vessels.
Notably, of the total cost of proposals, 99 per cent is from indigenous sources under Buy (Indian) and Buy (lndian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured) categories, defence ministry said here.
Giving details, officials said Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 10 capital acquisition proposals amounting to `1,44,716 crore.
The DAC is the apex body to clear acquisition proposals of the Armed forces. The final nod is given by Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).
As regards the proposals cleared on Tuesday, for modernisation of the tank fleet of the Indian Army, the proposal for procurement of Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs) has been cleared. The FRCV will be a futuristic Main Battle Tank with superior mobility, all terrain ability, multilayered protections, precision and lethal fires over and real-time situational awareness.
The Rs 50,000 crore project to buy 1,700 future-ready combat vehicles to replace the T-72 tanks in its fleet will enhance the battle readiness of the army, sources said.
The Army is actively involved in operations at high altitudes especially Line of Actual Control(LAC)facing China and deserts and is looking to modernise its fleet of armoured vehicles, including tanks and infantry combat vehicles.
Meanwhile, nod was also given for procurement of Air Defence Fire Control Radars, which will detect and track aerial target and provide firing solution. The proposal has also been approved for Forward Repair Team (Tracked) which has suitable cross country mobility for carrying out in-situ repair during mechanised operations. This equipment is designed and developed by Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited, and is authorised for both mechanised Infantry Battalion and Armoured Regiment.
Three AoNs have been accorded to enhance the capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The procurement of Dornier-228 aircraft, Next Generation Fast Patrol Vessels having high operational features in rough weather conditions and Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels with advanced technology and enhanced long-range operations, will enhance the capability of ICG to carry out surveillance, patrolling of maritime zone, search and rescue and disaster relief operations.
Towards the end of the meeting, the defence minister took a moment to honour late Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Director General Rakesh Pal, who was also a member of DAC. The DG passed away due to a heart attack in Chennai on August 18.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted DG Rakesh Pal’s remarkable contributions to the growth and expansion of ICG. He conveyed heartfelt condolences, prayers and unwavering support on behalf of the Ministry of Defence to the bereaved family. In a solemn tribute, all members of DAC then stood up to observe a moment of silence, paying their respects to late DG Rakesh Pal whose legacy will continue to inspire.
