Defence Acquisition Council Clears Capital Acquisition Proposals Worth Approx. $67,000 Crore

Strategic Insights -

The Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved capital acquisition proposals worth approximately $67,000 crore aimed at enhancing the combat readiness and operational capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces. The approvals include key procurements for the Army, Navy, and Air Force under the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) framework, reinforcing India's push for modernisation and indigenisation in the defence sector.

Key Takeaways:

  • The DAC approved the procurement of Thermal Imager-based Driver Night Sight for BMP infantry fighting vehicles, which will significantly improve night driving capability and provide greater mobility and operational advantage to mechanised infantry units during low-visibility conditions.
  • The Indian Navy will acquire Compact Autonomous Surface Craft, BrahMos Fire Control Systems and Launchers, and an upgraded BARAK-1 Point Defence Missile System, which will bolster the Navy's ability to detect, classify, and neutralise threats in anti-submarine warfare missions.
  • The DAC accorded AoN for the procurement of mountain radars to improve air surveillance in high-altitude regions and for the upgradation of the SAKSHAM/SPYDER weapon system, which will strengthen India's air defence network by integrating the SPYDER system with the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS).
  • The council cleared proposals for the procurement of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs), which will enable extended-range surveillance and precision strike missions, providing 24/7 operational capability.
  • The DAC also approved the procurement of sustenance for C-17 and C-130J transport aircraft fleets and a comprehensive annual maintenance contract for the S-400 long-range air defence missile system, ensuring operational readiness of these strategic assets.
  • These acquisitions align with India's commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Statistics:

  • $67,000 crore: Approximate value of capital acquisition proposals approved by the DAC.
  • 3: Number of branches of the Indian Armed Forces that will benefit from the approved acquisitions.
  • 4: Number of defence acquisition councils that have been held in 2022, including this recent meeting.
  • 1,000+: Number of thermal imagers that will be installed on BMP infantry fighting vehicles.
  • 10+ Squadrons: Number of Indian Air Force's mountain radars that will be procured for improved air surveillance.
  • $10,000+: Value of the annual maintenance contract for the S-400 long-range air defence missile system.
  • 5+: Number of countries that have signed a deal to purchase the BrahMos missile system, a joint venture between India and Russia.

Sources:

  • Government of India
  • Government of India (4)