S-400, drones approved in modernisation push
Defence proposals worth INR 2.38 lakh crores were approved on Friday for the army, IAF and Coast Guard, giving a push to faster modernization and ensuring operational readiness. The proposed acquisitions include more squadrons of S-400 missiles, air defence tracked systems, medium transport aircraft and heavy-duty cushion vehicles.
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh gave the nod for these projects to augment defence capabilities. The DAC is the apex body to approve proposals put by the Services. The Cabinet Committee on Security(CCS)headed by the Prime Minister, is the final authority to clear the projects.
Giving details, defence ministry officials said the DAC granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the Indian Air Force for the procurement of Medium Transport Aircraft, S-400 Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile System, Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft and overhaul of Su-30 Aero engine Aggregates.
India is likely to procure five more squadrons of S-400 missile systems from Russia. In 2018, India had inked a deal worth INR 40,000 crores for five squadrons. These systems are deployed on the borders facing Pakistan and China.
The S-400 system will counter enemy long-range air vectors targeting vital areas, while the Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft will enable undertaking Offensive Counter and Coordinated Air Operations, also providing stealth Intelligence, Surveillance and Recognition activities, the defence ministry said.
The induction of Medium Transport Aircraft by replacing the transport fleet of AN32 and IL76 will meet the strategic, tactical and operational airlift requirements of the Services.
The overhaul of Su-30 aero engine and its aggregates will increase the service life of the aircraft and fulfil the operational requirement of the Air Force.
For the Indian Army, approval was accorded for the Air Defence Tracked System, Armoured Piercing Tank Ammunition, High Capacity Radio Relay, Dhanush Gun System and Runway Independent Aerial Surveillance System.
The Air Defence Tracked System will provide real time Air Defence Control and Reporting capability, while the High Capacity Radio Relay will provide reliable and fail-proof communication.
The Dhanush Gun System will enhance the artillery’s capabilities to engage targets at longer ranges in all terrains with enhanced lethality and accuracy. The Runway Independent Aerial Surveillance System will provide surveillance capabilities to the Army units, with the Armoured Piercing Tank Ammunition enhancing the lethality of Anti-Tank ammunition.
For the Indian Coast Guard, AoN was accorded for Heavy Duty Air Cushion Vehicles. These vehicles will be used for multipurpose maritime coastal operational roles, including high-speed coastal patrolling, reconnaissance, search and rescue operations, rendering assistance to ships and carrying personnel and stores including logistics.
In the Financial Year 2025-26, AoN for 55 proposals amounting to INR 6.73 lakh crore has been accorded by the DAC. Moreover, capital procurement contracts have been signed for 503 proposals amounting to INR 2.28 lakh crore in the current fiscal year. Both the quantum of AoN given and capital contracts signed, so far, has been the highest in any given Financial Year.
