On the eve of Navy Day (December 4, 2024), the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for five major capital acquisition proposals totalling Rs. 21,772 crore. These acquisitions are aimed at enhancing India’s naval and coastal security capabilities, underscoring the government’s commitment to strengthening defence infrastructure.
A significant portion of the approval includes the procurement of 31 New Water Jet Fast Attack Crafts (NWJFACs) for the Indian Navy. These high-speed vessels are designed for critical roles such as Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), surveillance, and Search and Rescue (SAR) missions along India’s vast coastline and island territories. Additionally, they will play a vital role in anti-piracy operations, particularly in and around the country’s maritime borders. The NWJFACs, equipped with Hamilton Water Jets, will be able to intercept fast-moving surface craft and support anti-smuggling, fishery protection, and rapid-response operations. The ships are likely to be built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), ensuring indigenous capabilities.
The DAC also approved the procurement of 120 Fast Interceptor Crafts (FIC-1). These crafts will serve multiple roles, including escorting high-value naval assets such as aircraft carriers, destroyers, and submarines. Their inclusion further strengthens India’s coastal defence infrastructure and expands the Navy’s ability to carry out swift, decisive operations along the coastline.
In addition to naval acquisitions, the DAC sanctioned the purchase of advanced Electronic Warfare Suite (EWS) equipment for the Su-30 MKI aircraft, designed to enhance the aircraft’s ability to operate effectively in enemy territory by protecting it from enemy radar and weapon systems. This advanced technology includes jamming pods and a next-generation radar warning receiver.
The approval also included the acquisition of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) for the Indian Coast Guard. These helicopters will bolster India’s coastal security and maritime surveillance capabilities, ensuring that the Coast Guard can respond effectively to security threats along the coastline.
This Rs. 21,772 crore investment across various defence platforms, coming ahead of Navy Day, highlights India’s focus on modernizing its naval and coastal defence forces, ensuring the protection of its maritime interests in an increasingly challenging security environment.