New Delhi: In a big boost towards enhancing the capabilities of India’s Armed Forces, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), on Tuesday, approved various proposals worth nearly Rs 67,000 crore. The DAC, under defence minister Rajnath Singh, cleared proposals that will help add punch to the existing capabilities of the Army, Navy and Air Force.
For the Army, Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) was accorded for the procurement of Thermal Imager-based Driver Night Sights for armoured personnel carriers or BMPs. This would enhance night driving capability of BMPs and provide higher mobility and operational advantage to the Mechanised Infantry.
The DAC cleared the procurement of Compact Autonomous Surface Crafts, BrahMos Fire Control Systems and Launchers and the upgradation of BARAK-1 Point Defence Missile Systems for the Navy. With the procurement of the Compact Autonomous Surface Crafts, the Navy will enhance its capabilities to detect, classify and neutralise threats in anti-submarine warfare missions, without putting personnel at risk.
The Air Force can now go ahead and procure mountain radars and upgrade its SAKSHAM/SPYDER Weapons System. The SPYDER is a low-level, quick-reaction, surface-to-air missile system. Upgradation of the system will allow its integration with the Air Command and Control System and enhance air defence capabilities.
The procurement of mountain radars will enhance the air surveillance capability along and across the borders in the mountainous regions.
All the three services will also be able to acquire Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircrafts (RPAs) as per their requirements. The proposed MALE RPAs can carry multiple payloads and weapons and operate at longer ranges, enabling long-endurance missions. They will significantly enhance round-the-clock surveillance and combat capabilities of the Armed Forces.
The DAC has also accorded AoN for sustenance of the C-17 Globemaster and C-130J Super Hercules fleets of the Indian Air Force and comprehensive annual maintenance contract of S-400 Long Range Air Defence Missile Systems.
