The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved worth Rs 67,000 crore defence proposals on August 5. The proposals approved by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh-led DAC include night sights for BMPs (infantry fighting vehicles), compact autonomous surface craft, BrahMos systems, mountain radars, MALE drones and missile and aircraft upgrades.
“The Defence Acquisition Council, under the chairmanship of Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh on August 5, approved various proposals amounting to a total cost of about Rs 67,000 crore,” Ministry of Defence in an official statement.
For the Indian Army, Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) has been approved for the procurement of Thermal Imager-based Driver Night Sights for BMPs. “This would enhance night driving capability of BMP and provide higher mobility and operational advantage to the Mechanised Infantry,” the statement said.
BrahMos fire control systems and launchers
Approvals for the Indian Navy include the procurement of compact autonomous surface craft, BrahMos fire control systems and launchers and the upgradation of the BARAK-1 point defence missile system.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the autonomous surface craft will strengthen the Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities by enabling detection, classification, and neutralisation of underwater threats.
Mountain radars and Saksham/Spyder weapon system
The council has cleared the acquisition of mountain radars and the upgradation of the Saksham/Spyder weapon system for the Indian Air Force. The radars aim to enhance air surveillance in difficult mountainous terrain, while the upgraded weapon system will be integrated with the Integrated Air Command and Control System to boost air defence capabilities.
In addition, the government has approved the procurement of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs) for all three services. These RPAs, equipped to carry multiple payloads and weapons, will extend surveillance and combat capabilities over long-range, long-duration missions.
The DAC has also approved the continued maintenance of the C-17 and C-130J aircraft fleets, along with an annual maintenance contract for the S-400 long-range air defence missile system.