By Staff Correspondent
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by India’s Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, has approved capital aquisition proposals totalling INR 7,800 crore to bolster the operational capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces. This decision reaffirms the country’s stance towards self-reliance, as the Defence Ministry stated unequivocally, “all procurements will be made from indigenous sources only.”
The ministry’s press release highlighted a key investment aimed to enhance the efficiency of the Indian Air Force (IAF), “To enhance the efficiency of the Indian Air Force, the DAC has granted the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for procurement and installation of Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite on Mi-17 V5 Helicopters under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category which will enhance better survivability of helicopters.” This pivotal technology is set to be sourced from the domestic electronics giant, Bharat Electronics (BEL).
Another noteworthy approval by the DAC covers the AoN accorded for a Ground-Based Autonomous System specifically designed for the infantry and mechanised forces. This technological leap is slated to facilitate operations like unmanned surveillance, efficient logistical deliveries, and casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) in hostile terrains.
Adding depth to the nation’s ground combat arsenal, the DAC has accorded AoN for the acquisition of the 7.62.51 millimetre Light Machine Gun (LMG) and a strategic bridge-laying tank. In a nod to digital modernisation, there’s also the green light for ruggedised laptops and tablets under the auspices of ‘Project Shakti’.
In maritime advancements, the ministry elucidated, “To enhance the operational capability of the MH-60R Helicopters of the Indian Navy, the DAC has accorded AoN for procurement of weapons for the same.”
This suite of domestic-focused approvals underscores India’s ongoing endeavour to consolidate its defence capabilities, mirroring global trends of nations leaning towards self-sustenance in critical sectors.
