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The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), under the chairmanship of Rajnath Singh, has granted in-principle administrative clearance for defense acquisition proposals valued at approximately Rs 1.10 lakh crore. This significant decision, confirmed on Monday, covers the critical operational requirements of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. According to the defence ministry, about 98% of these procurements are expected to be sourced directly from Indian industry, reinforcing the government's commitment to indigenization and self-reliance in military hardware.
This approval marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing strategy to upgrade India's military capabilities with domestically developed and manufactured systems. The Defence Acquisition Council meeting, held on September 7, focused on streamlining the acquisition process to ensure that the armed forces receive essential equipment without delay. The cleared proposals span a wide array of technologies, ranging from chemical reconnaissance vehicles to advanced radar systems and secure communication cards. By prioritizing Indian industry, the government aims to bolster the domestic defense manufacturing sector while simultaneously enhancing the operational readiness of the armed forces. The Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) granted in this process serves as the initial administrative step, allowing procurement proposals to advance to the next stages of negotiation and contract finalization.
The Indian Army stands to receive a diverse portfolio of high-mobility and specialized vehicles designed to enhance operational efficiency across various terrains. The DAC cleared proposals for Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) reconnaissance vehicles, which are critical for detecting, identifying, monitoring, and marking areas contaminated by hazardous agents. Additionally, the Army will procure High Mobility Vehicles intended to support operational and logistical requirements, specifically designed to improve mobility in difficult and challenging terrains. To further enhance rapid deployment capabilities, the council approved Self-Propelled Mechanical Mine Layers, which provide faster mine-laying capabilities in contested areas. The procurement also includes Advanced Light Helicopters for the Army and Air Force, offering versatility across different operational situations. Furthermore, Trawl Tanks and the Sarvatra Bridge System have been approved to facilitate the crossing of fighting formations during operations, ensuring that logistical and combat units can traverse diverse landscapes effectively.
The Defence Ministry has cleared a massive Rs 1.10 lakh crore capital acquisition plan, signaling a major boost to national security infrastructure and indigenous manufacturing capabilities.
For the Indian Navy, the focus of the approved acquisitions is on enhancing surveillance and propulsion systems while reducing reliance on international suppliers. The DAC cleared the procurement of Arudhra Radars, which are set to replace existing Air Route Surveillance Radars at various Naval Air Stations, significantly improving aerial surveillance capabilities. In a move towards greater self-reliance, the council also approved the design and development, followed by procurement, of Marine Gas Turbines. These turbines are essential for warship propulsion, and their indigenous development is explicitly intended to reduce the Navy's dependence on foreign vendors, thereby strengthening national security through domestic technological advancement.
The Indian Air Force benefits from approvals aimed at enhancing the combat and logistical capabilities of its aircraft and helicopters. The council cleared the procurement of Ground-Based Multi-Purpose Jammers, which will be deployed against adversary radars, providing crucial electronic warfare support. Additionally, the Air Force will install the Defence Forces Secure Access Card (DEFSAC) system. This system is designed to replace existing paper-based identity cards, passes, and permits with interoperable smart cards utilizing radio-frequency identification technology, thereby improving security and administrative efficiency. The defence modernisation efforts reflected in these approvals underscore a comprehensive approach to upgrading military infrastructure, ensuring that all three branches of the armed forces are equipped with cutting-edge technology tailored to their specific operational needs. The Acceptance of Necessity, while not constituting a signed procurement contract, is a vital administrative milestone that paves the way for finalizing these deals with Indian industry partners.
The clearance of Rs 1.10 lakh crore in acquisition proposals indicates a robust trajectory for India's defense sector, driven by the strategic vision laid out during the recent Independence Day announcements. The emphasis on sourcing 98% of these procurements from Indian industry suggests a long-term shift towards establishing India as a global hub for defense manufacturing. As the Defence Acquisition Council continues to process these approvals, the subsequent phases of design, development, and final contract signing will be critical. The integration of indigenous technologies, such as the Marine Gas Turbines and Arudhra Radars, will likely reduce long-term maintenance costs and supply chain vulnerabilities. Consequently, this push is expected to yield sustained improvements in national security posture, operational readiness, and economic growth within the domestic defense industrial base over the coming decades.
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