DAC approves defence procurement value 67,000 crore to strengthen border safety

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, sanctioned a number of procurement proposals value practically ₹67,000 crore to strengthen the nation’s navy preparedness.

According to the Ministry of Defence (MoD), for the Indian Army, Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) was accorded for the procurement of Thermal Imager-based Driver Night Sight for BMP. This would improve night time driving functionality of BMP and supply greater mobility and operational benefit to the mechanised infantry.

For the Indian Navy, AoN was accorded for the procurement of Compact Autonomous Surface Craft, BrahMos Fire Control System and launchers, and upgradation of BARAK-1 level defence missile system. The procurement of Compact Autonomous Surface Craft will present the potential to the Navy for detection, classification and neutralisation of threats in anti-submarine warfare missions.

For the Indian Air Force, AoN for procurement of mountain radars and upgradation of Saksham/Spyder weapon system was accorded. Mountain radars will improve the air surveillance functionality alongside and throughout the borders within the mountainous areas. The upgradation of Saksham/Spyder system for integration with Integrated Air Command and Control System will improve the air defence functionality, stated the MoD in a press release.

AoN was additionally accorded for the procurement of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs) for the three companies. The proposed MALE RPAs can carry a number of payloads and weapons and function at longer ranges for lengthy endurance missions. They will considerably improve round the clock surveillance and fight functionality of the armed forces.

In addition, the DAC has additionally accorded AoN for sustenance of C-17 and C-130J fleets and complete annual upkeep contract of S-400 Long Range Air Defence Missile System.