The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved several capital acquisition proposals to bolster the capabilities of the Indian Army and the Indian Coast Guard.
Key among these approvals were the procurement of the Advanced Land Navigation System (ALNS) for Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) and 22 Interceptor Boats.
Advanced Land Navigation System (ALNS) for AFVs
The ALNS is a cutting-edge navigational system designed to enhance the operational efficiency of the Indian Army’s AFVs. The approved ALNS Mk-II system is specifically noted for its high levels of encryption and spoof-proof capabilities, ensuring secure and reliable navigation. This system is compatible with multiple satellite navigation systems, including the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS, also known as NavIC), the Global Positioning System (GPS), and the Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS). Such compatibility ensures continuous and accurate navigation support across different terrains and operational scenarios.
One of the significant advantages of the ALNS Mk-II is its integration with Defence Series Maps, which provides extremely high accuracy in navigation for AFVs. This feature is critical for the precise movement and positioning of armored units during combat and reconnaissance missions. The procurement of this system from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Chennai, under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured – IDDM) category, emphasizes the government’s commitment to promoting indigenous defense manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Interceptor Boats for Indian Coast Guard
In a bid to strengthen the Indian Coast Guard’s operational capabilities, the DAC has approved the procurement of 22 state-of-the-art Interceptor Boats. These boats are designed to perform quick interceptions and operate effectively in shallow waters, which is crucial for coastal surveillance and patrolling missions. The enhanced capabilities of these boats are vital for maintaining the security of India’s territorial waters and addressing potential maritime threats swiftly.
The new Interceptor Boats will play a significant role in various operations, including search and rescue missions and medical evacuations. Their advanced systems will enable the Coast Guard to respond more efficiently to emergencies, ensuring the safety and security of coastal regions. The quick interception ability of these boats will also enhance the Coast Guard’s effectiveness in preventing illegal activities such as smuggling and unauthorized fishing in Indian waters.
Importance of ALNS and Interceptor Boats
The procurement of ALNS for AFVs and Interceptor Boats is a strategic move to enhance the operational readiness and effectiveness of the Indian Army and Coast Guard. The ALNS will provide armored units with precise navigation capabilities, critical for executing complex maneuvers and missions. Its compatibility with multiple satellite systems and high encryption levels ensures secure and accurate navigation, which is indispensable for modern warfare.
On the other hand, the Interceptor Boats will significantly boost the Coast Guard’s ability to secure India’s coastal regions. Their quick response capabilities and advanced systems are essential for effective maritime security operations, including surveillance, patrolling, and emergency response.
These acquisitions underscore the Indian government’s commitment to strengthening national defense through the adoption of advanced technologies and indigenous manufacturing. The enhancements brought by the ALNS and Interceptor Boats will not only improve the operational capabilities of the armed forces but also contribute to the broader goal of self-reliance in defense production.