Haryana: The Defence Acquisition Council cleared DAC defence proposals worth about Rs 79,000 crore today, approving major procurement plans aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces.
The council, chaired by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, accorded Acceptance of Necessity for proposals of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. The approvals covered a wide range of systems focused on precision strike, surveillance, air defence, training and maritime awareness.
For the Indian Army, the DAC approved procurement of Loiter Munition Systems for artillery regiments, Low Level Light Weight Radars, Long Range Guided Rocket Ammunition for the Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System, and the Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System Mk-II.
The loiter munition systems will enable precision strikes against tactical targets. Meanwhile, the low-level radars will detect and track small, low-flying unmanned aerial systems. In addition, the long-range guided rockets will enhance the range and accuracy of Pinaka for engaging high-value targets.
The Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System Mk-II, with enhanced range, will protect vital Army assets in tactical battle areas and hinterland locations. As a result, the Army’s counter-drone capability will receive a significant boost.
DAC defence proposals strengthen tri-services capabilities
For the Indian Navy, DAC defence proposals included procurement of Bollard Pull tugs, High Frequency Software Defined Radios manpack, and leasing of High Altitude Long Range Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems.
The induction of bollard pull tugs will assist naval ships and submarines during berthing, unberthing and manoeuvring in confined harbour waters. At the same time, the HF software defined radios will improve long-range secure communication during boarding and landing operations.
Meanwhile, leasing of HALE RPAS will ensure continuous intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. Consequently, maritime domain awareness over the Indian Ocean Region is expected to improve substantially.
For the Indian Air Force, the DAC cleared proposals for procurement of an Automatic Take-off Landing Recording System, Astra Mk-II air-to-air missiles, a Full Mission Simulator, and SPICE-1000 long-range guidance kits.
The automatic take-off and landing recording system will strengthen the aerospace safety environment by providing high-definition, all-weather recording of flight operations. In addition, Astra Mk-II missiles, with enhanced range, will allow fighter aircraft to neutralise adversary aircraft from extended standoff distances.
The full mission simulator for the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas will support pilot training in a cost-effective and safe manner. Similarly, the induction of SPICE-1000 guidance kits will enhance the Air Force’s long-range precision strike capability.
The approvals reflected a continued focus on modernisation, indigenisation and capability enhancement across the three Services. According to officials, the DAC defence proposals aim to address emerging threats while strengthening operational preparedness.
