In a major boost to the Indian defence industry, the Union Government on Monday approved acquisition proposals worth Rs 2.12 lakh crore, with 82 per cent sourced from local manufacturers. The list included self-propelled tracked gun systems, light multi-role helicopters, surveillance and kamikaze long-range drone systems and some other critical systems. They will further enhance the warfighting capabilities of the armed forces.
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Union Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh, accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) or in-principle administrative approval, to various capital acquisition proposals. The DAC is the apex body to clear these proposals. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) headed by the Prime Minister, gives the final go-ahead.
The Indian Army, approval was accorded for the procurement of High Mobility Vehicles (HMV), self-propelled tracked gun system, Gun Shot Response System (GSRS), Light Multi Role Helicopters (LMRH), Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS), platform-based Counter Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS), unmanned aerial system brick long range, surveillance UAV, integrated surveillance and strike system and long range kamikaze drone system, the defence ministry said.
The HMVs will enhance operational capabilities, logistical support and mobility in challenging terrains. The Self-Propelled Tracked Gun System will provide matching mobility and firepower to mechanised formations.
The GSRS will serve as a force multiplier, providing real-time situational awareness. The LMRH will be used by both the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force for reconnaissance and surveillance, combat, search and rescue of troops and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
The VSHORADS will engage new-generation-small-size aerial threats, while C-UAS will enhance the survivability of tanks in the modern battlefield. The surveillance and drone systems will enhance the surveillance and targeting capabilities of the Indian Army.
For the Indian Navy, nod was given for the Active Offboard Decoy System (AODS) and other major naval platforms. The AODS will enhance the credibility of anti-missile defence, especially against modern anti-ship missiles of adversaries.
For the Indian Air Force, approval was accorded for the procurement of helicopters, air defence systems, weapons and mobile X-band Doppler weather radar system to enhance the air defence and war fighting capabilities.
The procurement of Special Utility Helicopters will help the Indian Air Force to meet the important air transport requirements. The X-band Doppler weather radar system will provide high-resolution, localised weather surveillance in forward areas.
Earlier in September, the DAC cleared proposals worth Rs 1.1 lakh crore to sharpen the armed forces’ capabilities. These included systems to enhance the war-fighting capability of fighter jets, transport planes and helicopters, new advanced light helicopters and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) reconnaissance vehicles for the army, and Arudhra radars for the navy. It also accorded AoN for a ground-based multi-purpose jammer for the IAF, and the design, development and subsequent procurement of marine gas turbines (MGT) for the navy.