File photo of water jet fast attack craft INS Tihayu
New Delhi: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, today approved five capital acquisition proposals worth Rs. 21,772 crores to augment defence preparedness. It approved the procurement of water jet fast attack crafts, fast interceptor craft, electronic warfare suite (EWS), next-generation radar warning receiver, and advanced light helicopters for surveillance in coastal areas.
The Defence Acquisition Council granted the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of 31 new water jet fast attack crafts (NWJFACs) for the Indian Navy. These are designed to perform the task of low-intensity maritime operations, surveillance, patrol, and search and rescue (SAR) operations close to the coast. In addition, these vessels will play an effective role in anti-piracy missions, especially in and around India’s Island territories.
The Defence Acquisition Council also accorded Acceptance of Necessity for procuring 120 fast interceptor crafts (FIC-1). These vessels are capable of performing multiple roles, including escorting high-value units such as aircraft carriers, destroyers, and frigates and submarines for coastal defence.
An Acceptance of Necessity for the procurement of an electronic warfare suite (EWS) comprising external airborne self-protection jammer pods, next-generation radar warning receivers and associated equipment for Su-30 MKI Aircraft was also accorded by the DAC. This system will enhance the operational capabilities of SU-30 MKI and protect it from enemy radars and related weapon systems while carrying out a mission against enemy targets protected by Air Defence systems.
The Defence Acquisition Council further accorded the Acceptance of Necessity for the procurement of 6 advanced light helicopters (ALH) M (MR) for the Indian Coast Guard to strengthen coastal security and surveillance in the coastal areas. It also accorded approval for the overhaul of T-72 & T-90 tanks, BMP- and engines of Sukhoi fighter aircraft which will enhance the service life of these assets.
– global bihari bureau
