New Delhi witnessed a momentous event on Friday as the Ministry of Defence greenlit the procurement of military hardware valued at a staggering Rs 84,560 crore. This includes the acquisition of multi-mission maritime aircraft, a strategic move aimed at fortifying the overall combat capabilities of our armed forces.
Under the astute guidance of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the Defence Acquisition Council extended its approval for Acceptance of Necessity (AoNs) pertaining to diverse capital acquisition proposals, totaling Rs 84,560 crore.
A communiqué from the Ministry of Defence elucidated, “The DAC, with an emphasis on Buy {Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured (IDDM)} category, has sanctioned AoN for the procurement of a novel generation of Anti-tank mines. These mines boast seismic sensors and incorporate provisions for remote deactivation, coupled with additional safety features.”
“In a strategic move to augment operational efficiency and secure dominance in the tactical battle arena, particularly against ‘Beyond Visual Line of Sight’ targets for Mechanised Forces, AoN under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category has been granted for the acquisition of the Canister Launched Anti-Armour Loiter Munition System,” the statement further expounded.
The document highlighted additional approvals, including the procurement of Air Defence Tactical Control Radar to reinforce Air Defence systems. This aims to enhance capabilities in detecting slow, small, and low-flying targets, as well as improving surveillance, detection, and tracking of diverse targets.
Furthermore, the DAC greenlit AoN for the procurement of Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance and Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft through the Buy and Make category. This move is set to bolster the surveillance and interdiction capabilities of both the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
“To maintain a technological edge and counter potential threats from adversaries, AoN under the Buy (Indian) category has been accorded for the acquisition of Active Towed Array Sonar. This sonar exhibits capabilities to operate at low frequencies and varying depths, ensuring long-range detection of adversary submarines.”
“The DAC has also granted AoN for the procurement of Heavy Weight Torpedoes, enhancing the attacking capabilities of Kalvari Class submarines. Additionally, AoN for sustainment support through Follow On Support (FOS) and Repair Replenishment support via Follow On Supply Support (FOSS) for 24 MH60R aircraft under the Foreign Military Sale route with the US Government has been accorded,” the statement underscored.
The DAC further endorsed AoN for the procurement of Flight Refueller Aircraft to amplify the operational capabilities and reach of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
“In a strategic move to fulfill the communication needs of the Indian Coast Guard, AoN under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category for the procurement of Software Defined Radios has been granted. This will cater to the high-speed communication requirements with secure networking capabilities, ensuring seamless information exchange between the ICG and Indian Navy units,” the statement concluded.
“To foster a conducive defence start-up ecosystem and facilitate the procurement of advanced technologies from start-ups and MSMEs developed under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and Technology Development Fund schemes, the DAC has sanctioned amendments in the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020,” the statement added.