Procurements include Swarm Drones, Bulletproof Jackets, and Carbines
New Delhi: Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for Capital Acquisition Proposals of the Armed Forces amounting to Rs 28,732 crore was accorded under Buy (Indian IDDM) and Buy (Indian) categories by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) at its meeting today.
Among the proposals approved by DAC in the meeting were three proposals of the Indian Army, such as Guided Extended Range Rocket Ammunition, Area Denial Munition Type I and Infantry Combat Vehicle – Command have been designed and developed by DRDO. The total value of these three proposals is Rs 8,599 crore. Guided Extended Range Rocket Ammunition has a range of 75 km with an accuracy of 40 meters. The Aerial Denial Munition Type I Rocket Ammunition contains dual-purpose sub-munitions capable of neutralizing both tanks and armoured personnel carriers as well as B vehicle entrenched troops. The Infantry Combat Vehicle – Command is equipped with technology to collect, disseminate, share and present real-time information to commanders to facilitate quick decision-making for the execution of tasks.
Considering the demand for enhanced protection against the threat of enemy snipers to our troops deployed along the Line of Control and in close combat operations in counter-terrorism scenarios, DAC accorded AoN for Bullet Proof Jackets with Indian Standard BIS VI level of protection. To combat the current complex paradigm of conventional and hybrid warfare and counter-terrorism at the borders, AoN for induction of approximately four lakh of Close Quarter Battle Carbines for the Services have also been accorded by the DAC. “This is set to provide a major impetus to the small arms manufacturing industry in India and enhance ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in small arms,” the Ministry of Defence claimed.
In recent conflicts across the world, drone technology proved to be a force multiplier in military operations. Accordingly, to augment the Indian Army’s capability in modern warfare, AoN for procurement of Autonomous Surveillance and Armed Drone Swarms has been accorded by the DAC under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, the Ministry claimed.
The DAC also approved the Navy’s proposal to procure an upgraded 1250KW capacity Marine Gas Turbine Generator for power generation application onboard the Kolkata class of ships through the Indian Industry.
In order to enhance the security in the coastal region of the country, the DAC also approved the proposal of procurement of 14 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) for the Indian Coast Guard under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) with 60% IC.
– global bihari bureau
