In a major boost to India's defence readiness and domestic manufacturing, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Monday approved capital acquisition proposals worth Rs 2.12 lakh crore for the Indian Armed Forces. The approvals cover advanced artillery systems, light multi-role helicopters, counter-drone technology, surveillance and strike drones, and state-of-the-art naval missile defence systems aimed at enhancing the firepower, mobility, and surveillance capabilities of the three services.

Reinforcing the government's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, around 82 per cent of the total procurement will be sourced from domestic defence industries. The decision will not only strengthen military readiness but also expand opportunities for Indian defence manufacturers, MSMEs, and startups.

What Weapons and Platforms Will The Armed Forces Get?

Indian Army

The approvals for the Indian Army focus on mobility, artillery strength, low-altitude air defence, and unmanned aerial capabilities.

  • High Mobility Vehicles (HMV): Specialised transport vehicles designed to improve troop movement and logistics.
  • Self-Propelled Tracked Gun Systems: Mobile artillery units intended for mechanised and armoured battle operations.
  • Gun Shot Response System (GSRS): Systems that detect and pinpoint the exact location of enemy gunfire in real time.
  • Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS): Low-altitude air defence systems to intercept and counter incoming aerial threats.
  • Counter-Drone Systems: Specialised platforms built to protect ground forces and armoured vehicles from enemy drones.
  • Surveillance and Strike Drones: Procurement of Surveillance UAVs, Integrated Surveillance & Strike Systems, and Long-Range Kamikaze Drone Systems.

Indian Navy

Naval approvals focus on warship protection and enhancing combat capabilities:

  • Active Offboard Decoy Systems (AODS): Systems designed to protect naval warships against incoming anti-ship missiles.
  • Indigenous Naval Platforms: Next-generation warships and support vessels designed and manufactured in domestic shipyards.

Indian Air Force

The Air Force approvals will focus on enhancing aerial surveillance and operational readiness:

  • Light Multi-Role Helicopters (LMRH): To be used in joint operations of both the Army and the Air Force.
  • Special Utility Helicopters: Utility aircraft for air transport and forward logistics support.
  • Air Defence & Modern Weapon Systems: Upgraded missile defence systems and advanced munitions for aerial operations.
  • Mobile X-Band Doppler Weather Radar Systems: Portable radar units for real-time weather tracking in forward and border areas.

(With Inputs From Jagran.com And PTI)