The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has recently sanctioned Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisition proposals worth Rs 70,500 crore. These proposals are primarily for the Armed Forces & Indian Coast Guard under ‘Buy Indian-IDDM’ (Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured). Read on to uncover facts about this substantial investment into the defense sector.
About the Acquisition Proposals
The most significant shares of these proposals belong to the Indian Navy, amounting to over Rs 56,000 crore. They largely comprise the indigenous BrahMos cruise missiles, Shakti Electronic Warfare (EW) systems, and Utility Helicopters-Maritime, to name a few.
Long-Range Stand-Off Weapon for The Air Force
In another key development, the Indian Air Force has been given the green light for the integration of a Long Range Stand-Off Weapon on SU-30 MKI aircraft. This sophisticated piece of weaponry is expected to greatly enhance the force’s combat capabilities.
Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System for The Army
The Indian Army will be procuring the 155mm/52 Caliber Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS). This will be supplemented with High Mobility & Gun Towing Vehicles to facilitate rapid deployment and improved efficacy on the battlefield.
Hindustan Aeronautics’ Role
Hindustan Aeronautics stands as a significant beneficiary of the DAC’s latest announcement. It is set to supply Advance Light Helicopters MK-III to the Indian Coast Guard. These helicopters are equipped with a suite of advanced surveillance sensors, giving full night capability and Instrument Flight Rules capacity, thereby boosting the overall operational efficiency of the Indian Coast Guard.
Medium Speed Marine Diesel Engine
Under the Make-I category, the Medium Speed Marine Diesel Engine will be manufactured indigenously. This is part of a broader effort to promote domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on imports for key military hardware.
Understanding The Defence Acquisition Council
The DAC stands as the premier decision-making body within the Ministry of Defence. It has the authority to make new policies and approve capital acquisitions for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Indian Coast Guard. The Council is chaired by the Minister of Defence and was established following the Group of Ministers’ recommendations on ‘Reforming the National Security System’ in 2001, in the aftermath of the Kargil War (1999).
In summation, these significant proposals granted by the DAC under the Buy Indian-IDDM scheme mark an important step in strengthening India’s defence capabilities and bolstering the domestic defence industry.
