The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today, cleared proposals worth two lakh 38 thousand crore rupees to augment defence capabilities. Ministry of Defence said that approval was accorded for the Indian Army’s Air Defence Tracked System, Armoured Piercing Tank Ammunition, High Capacity Radio Relay, Dhanush Gun System and Runway Independent Aerial Surveillance System. The Ministry said that the Air Defence Tracked System will provide real-time Air Defence Control and Reporting capability, while the High Capacity Radio Relay will provide reliable and fail-proof communication. The Dhanush Gun System will enhance the artillery’s capabilities to engage targets at longer ranges in all terrains with enhanced lethality and accuracy. The Runway Independent Aerial Surveillance System will provide surveillance capabilities to the Army units, with the Armoured Piercing Tank Ammunition enhancing the lethality of Anti-Tank ammunition.
For the Indian Air Force, proposals were cleared for the procurement of Medium Transport Aircraft, S-400 Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile System, Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft and the overhaul of Su-30 Aero engine Aggregates. The Ministry said that the induction of Medium Transport Aircraft by replacing the transport fleet of AN32 and IL76 will meet the strategic, tactical and operational airlift requirements of the Services. The S-400 system will counter enemy long-range air vectors targeting vital areas, while the Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft will enable undertaking Offensive Counter and Coordinated Air Operations, also providing stealth Intelligence, Surveillance and Recognition activities. The Ministry added, overhaul of Su-30 aero engine and its aggregates will increase the service life of the aircraft and fulfil the operational requirement of the Air Force.
Meanwhile, Acceptance of Necessity was accorded for Heavy Duty Air Cushion Vehicles for the Indian Coast Guard. The Defence Ministry said that these vehicles will be used for multipurpose maritime coastal operational roles, including high-speed coastal patrolling; reconnaissance; search and rescue operations; rendering assistance to ships; and carrying personnel and stores, including logistics.
The DAC approved 55 proposals worth six lakh 73 thousand crore rupees in the fiscal year 2025-26. Capital procurement contracts have been signed for 503 proposals amounting to two lakh 28 thousand crore rupees in the current fiscal year. The quantum of Acceptance of Necessity given and capital contracts signed so far have been the highest in any given Financial Year.
