Defence Ministry Clears ₹1.1 Lakh Crore Military Acquisitions; 98% Sourcing from India

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Monday cleared capital acquisition proposals worth around ₹1.10 lakh crore for the armed forces, according to an NDTV Profit news report. 

The approvals were given as Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), which amounts to in-principle approval for the proposed acquisitions. The equipment covered under the proposals is for the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. 

Army Equipment on the List 

For the Army, the approved proposals include CBRN reconnaissance vehicles, High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs), Self-Propelled Mechanical Mine Layers (MML), Advanced Light Helicopters (ALHs), trawl tanks, and the Sarvatra Bridge System. 

CBRN reconnaissance vehicles will be used to detect, identify, monitor and mark areas contaminated by chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear agents.  

HMVs are meant to provide mobility and logistics support in difficult terrain. The MMLs will provide a faster minelaying capability, while trawl tanks will be used to clear routes through enemy minefields.  

The Sarvatra Bridge System will provide composite crossings for fighting formations. ALHs will be used by the Army and Air Force for missions across different terrains. 

Navy to Get New Radars 

For the Navy, the DAC approved Arudhra radars to replace existing air route surveillance radars at various naval air stations. 

The council also cleared the design and development of Marine Gas Turbines (MGTs), followed by their procurement. MGTs are used for warship propulsion, and the programme is intended to reduce dependence on foreign vendors. 

Air Force Approvals 

The Air Force proposals include measures to improve the capabilities of fighter aircraft, transport aircraft and helicopters. The DAC also approved Ground-Based Multi-Purpose Jammers (GBMPJ) to counter adversary radars. 

It also cleared the Defence Forces Secure Access Card (DEFSAC) system. The RFID-based smart-card system will replace paper identity cards, passes, and permits. 

98% To Come from Indian Industry 

Around 98% of the procurements covered by the latest AoNs are expected to be sourced from Indian industry, according to the Defence Ministry. 

The proposals include aircraft, helicopters, vehicles, radars, propulsion systems, mine-laying equipment, bridge systems and electronic warfare equipment across the three services. 

Read More: New FDI Rules Allow E-commerce Firms to Hold Inventory for Export; Domestic Sales Excluded! 

Conclusion  

The latest approvals cover equipment for all three armed forces, with around 98% of the ₹1.10 lakh crore procurement expected to be sourced locally. 

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