In a recent development, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has sanctioned the purchase of weapons and equipment amounting to ₹22,800 crore. Prioritizing the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the emphasis is on indigenous design, development, and manufacture of these arms and instruments.
Details of Approved Weapons and Equipment
The approval by the DAC encompasses various military-grade tools and weaponry. These are aimed at enhancing the capabilities of our defence forces and increasing their operational efficiency.
The approved items include Thermal Imaging Night Sights for Assault Rifles. These devices will allow soldiers to engage accurately at long ranges during the night or in adverse weather conditions, thereby significantly improving night fighting capabilities.
Airborne Warning and Control System Aircraft
Another significant inclusion in the approval is the Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The AWACS will provide onboard command and control along with early warning assistance. This will aid the IAF in gaining and maintaining air space dominance swiftly. The induction of these platforms is set to bolster both the air defence and offensive prowess of the IAF—amplifying its abilities manifold.
A notable gap in force multipliers of this kind was observed during the aerial engagement with the Pakistan Air Force following the Balakot airstrike in February 2019.
P8I Long Range Patrol Aircraft and Twin Engine Heavy Helicopters
The DAC has also greenlit the procurement of P8I long-range patrol aircraft for the Indian Navy. Originating from the United States, these aircraft are expected to enhance the Navy’s maritime surveillance capabilities as well as Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Anti-Surface Vessel (ASV) strike potential.
Twin Engine Heavy Helicopters (TEHH) for the Indian Coast Guard also form part of the sanction. These aircraft will bolster the Coast Guard’s capabilities for executing tasks like deterrence of maritime terrorism, interception of terrorists via sea routes, and search and rescue operations.
Key Facts
| Name | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| DAC | Procurement | The Defence Acquisition Council is the apex decision-making body in the Defence Ministry for deciding on new policies and capital acquisitions for the three services (Army, Navy and Air Force) and the Indian Coast Guard. |
| P8I Patrol Aircraft | Surveillance | P8I patrol aircraft are used for maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and anti-surface vessel strikes. |
| TEHH | Operations | Twin Engine Heavy Helicopters are used for missions to prevent maritime terrorism, search & rescue operations, and infiltration of terrorists by sea routes. |
About The Defence Acquisition Council
The Defence Acquisition Council is the highest decision-making body in the Defence Ministry. Its primary responsibility is to make decisions regarding new policies and capital acquisitions for the three defence services—Army, Navy, Air Force—and the Indian Coast Guard. The Minister of Defence serves as the Chairman of this Council. The DAC was established after the Group of Ministers made recommendations on ‘Reforming the National Security System’ post the 1999 Kargil War.