The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has given its nod to various capital acquisition proposals worth Rs 84,560 crore to enhance the operational efficiency and self-reliance of the Indian Armed Forces and Coast Guard. The proposals include procurement of new generation anti-tank mines, Air Defence Tactical Control Radar, Heavy Weight Torpedoes, Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance and Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft, Flight Refueller Aircraft and Software Defined Radios.
New generation anti-tank mines clearance by Defence Acquisition Council
The Defence Acquisition Council has approved the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) under the category of Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured, or IDDM) for procurement of a new generation of anti-tank mines having seismic sensor and provision of remote deactivation with additional safety features. These mines will help in creating a dynamic minefield that can be controlled remotely and can be deactivated when required. The mines will also have a low metal content to avoid detection by enemy mine sweepers.
Air Defence Tactical Control Radar
The DAC has also accorded approval for procurement of Air Defence Tactical Control Radar under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category. This radar will help in strengthening the Air Defence Systems, especially the capabilities to detect slow, small and low-flying targets as well as surveillance, detection and tracking of different targets. The radar will have a range of 250 km and will be capable of operating in all weather conditions.
Heavy Weight Torpedoes
The DAC has cleared the procurement of Heavy Weight Torpedoes under Buy (Global) category. These torpedoes will be fitted on the submarines of the Indian Navy and will provide them with a potent anti-submarine warfare capability. The torpedoes will have a range of over 40 km and will be able to operate in deep waters.
Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance and Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft
The DAC has sanctioned the procurement of 16 Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance (MRMR) and Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft (MMMA) under Buy (Global) category. These aircraft will be used by the Indian Navy and Coast Guard for maritime surveillance, reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, electronic warfare and other missions. The aircraft will be equipped with advanced sensors, weapons and communication systems.
Flight Refueller Aircraft
The DAC has approved the procurement of six Flight Refueller Aircraft under Buy (Global) category. These aircraft will be used by the Indian Air Force to extend the range and endurance of its fighter jets. The aircraft will be able to refuel multiple jets in a single sortie and will also have a cargo and passenger carrying capacity.
Software Defined Radios
The Defence Acquisition Council has given its nod for procurement of Software Defined Radios under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category. These radios will provide secure voice and data communication to the troops in various operational scenarios. The radios will have a modular design and will be compatible with different platforms and networks.
Conclusion
The defence ministry said that these decisions underscore the importance of sourcing equipment from Indian vendors to promote self-reliance and ease of doing business in India. The defence minister also informed that the amendments in Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 were also cleared by DAC to promote procurement of advanced technologies from Start-Ups and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
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