INR 79,000-crore proposals approved for Armed Forces

Giving a fillip to ongoing modernisation and ensuring operational readiness of the armed forces, proposals worth over INR 79,000 crores were given the nod on Monday. The list includes ammunition, radars and integrated drone detection and interdiction systems.

Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, is the apex body to give the green signal for the procurements listed by the armed forces. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) headed by the PM, is the final authority to approve these deals.

The DAC go-ahead for Acceptance of Necessity (AON) includes Loiter Munition System for Artillery Regiments, Low Level Light Weight Radars, and Long Range Guided Rocket Ammunition for Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MRLS), and Integrated Drone Detection & Interdiction System Mk-II for the Indian Army, the Defence Ministry said.

Loiter Munition will be used for precision strike of tactical targets, whereas 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. Integrated Drone Detection & Interdiction System Mk-II with enhanced range will protect the vital assets of the Indian Army in the Tactical Battle Area and Hinterland.

For the Indian Navy, AoN was accorded for the 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).

Induction of BP Tugs will assist naval ships and submarines in berthing, unberthing, and manoeuvring in confined waters/harbours. The HF SDR will enhance long-range secured communication during boarding and landing operations, whereas HALE RPAS will ensure continuous Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance and credible Maritime Domain Awareness over the Indian Ocean Region.

For the Indian Air Force, AoN was approved for 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 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.