In a significant stride to enhance India’s defense capabilities, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has greenlit acquisitions totaling ₹84,560 crore. These acquisitions encompass a wide array of crucial assets, including new anti-tank mines, heavy-weight torpedoes, multi-mission maritime aircraft, and air defense tactical control radars. The final nod is anticipated from the Cabinet Committee, promising a substantial reinforcement to the Indian Armed Forces and the Indian Coast Guard.
A noteworthy aspect of the approved proposals is the focus on sourcing equipment from domestic vendors, aligning with the government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiative.
Among the approved acquisitions is a new generation of anti-tank mines equipped with seismic sensors and remote deactivation features. To bolster Mechanised Forces, the council has given the go-ahead for the procurement of a Canister Launched Anti-Armour Loiter Munition System, capable of engaging targets beyond the visual line of sight in the tactical battle area.
India’s Air Defence Systems will receive a boost with the introduction of new tactical control radars capable of detecting slow, small, and low-flying targets.
The procurement of Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance and Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft aims to enhance the surveillance and interdiction capabilities of the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard.
To bolster underwater capabilities, Active Towed Array Sonar and heavy-weight torpedoes are set to be acquired, augmenting the detection and attacking capabilities of naval assets, particularly the Kalvari Class submarines.
Additionally, the council has approved the procurement of Flight Refueller Aircraft to enhance the operational capabilities and reach of the Indian Air Force. The Indian Coast Guard is also slated to receive new software-defined radios.
Recognizing the pivotal role of start-ups and MSMEs in driving innovation, the council has introduced amendments to the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020. These amendments, focusing on benchmarking, cost computation, payment schedules, and procurement quantity, are geared towards fostering a conducive environment for the defense start-up ecosystem. This move resonates with the government’s commitment to ‘Ease of Doing Business’ in the defense sector, aligning with initiatives like Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and the Technology Development Fund (TDF) schemes.