New Delhi: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, granted Defence acquisition approval for capital procurement proposals worth about ₹52,000 crore. The approvals aim to strengthen the combat readiness of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.
The council accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), the in-principle administrative approval required before procurement begins. The approved proposals cover advanced weapons, air defence systems, drones and surveillance platforms.
For the Indian Army, the council approved procurement of the Anti-Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Electronic Warfare System AKASH TARANG, Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile Systems, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile Weapon System, Very Short Range Air Defence System, Active Protection System for Tanks and Jet-Based Kamikaze Drone System.
AKASH TARANG will strengthen protection against hostile drones. Likewise, the MPATGM system will improve the infantry’s ability to counter armoured threats. The MRSAM system will enhance medium-range air defence against stand-off aerial targets.
Furthermore, the V-SHORADS system will improve protection against aerial threats through multi-spectral sensing. The Active Protection System will increase tank survivability. The Jet-Based Kamikaze Drone System will provide greater electronic warfare capability with improved lethality and cost efficiency.
Defence acquisition approval boosts naval and air capabilities
For the Indian Navy, the DAC approved procurement of Multi Influence Ground Mines, Naval Shipborne Unmanned Aerial Systems and the establishment of a Land Based Testing Facility for Electric Propulsion Systems.
The Multi Influence Ground Mine will restrict enemy naval movement. Meanwhile, the Naval Shipborne Unmanned Aerial System will improve maritime surveillance with advanced sensors. The testing facility will support the evaluation of propulsion systems for future naval platforms.
For the Indian Air Force, the council approved procurement of Fixed-Wing Based High Altitude Pseudo Satellites along with other proposals. These systems will provide persistent intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, telecommunication and remote sensing capabilities.
The Defence Ministry said the latest Defence acquisition approval will strengthen operational preparedness and accelerate the modernisation of India’s armed forces.
