Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh-headed Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared proposals worth Rs 84,328 crore, giving the domestic industry chance to compete for Make in India projects.
The DAC in its meeting held on Thursday, December 22, 2022, accorded approval for Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 24 Capital Acquisition Proposals.
The proposals consist of new light tanks for the Army in the Ladakh sector, a new range of anti-aircraft missile systems, next-generation offshore patrol vessels and futuristic combat vehicles.
“These proposals include six for Indian Army, six for Indian Air Force, 10 for Indian Navy and two for Indian Coast Guard for a total value of Rs 84,328 crore,” said the Ministry of Defence.
The proposals are aimed at equipping the Indian Army with platforms and equipment such as Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicles, Light Tanks and Mounted Gun Systems providing a quantum jump to the Indian Army’s operational preparedness. Proposals approved also include the procurement of Ballistic Helmets, with enhanced protection level, for the soldiers.
Approvals for procurement of Naval Anti-Ship Missiles, Multi-Purpose Vessels and High Endurance Autonomous Vehicles seek to further enhance the maritime strength of the Indian Navy. Indian Air Force will be further strengthened with enhanced lethal capabilities by the induction of a new range of missile system, Long Range Guided Bombs, Range Augmentation Kit for conventional bombs and advanced surveillance systems. The procurement of Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels for the Indian Coast Guard will enhance surveillance capability in the coastal areas to new heights, the ministry added.
Make in India boost
Under Project Zorawar, the light tank proposal of the Army, an indigenous tank will be delivered by Defence Research and Development Organization with Larsen and Toubro as early as next year. The need for such a tank was expressed after the 2020 build-up of Indian and PLA forces at the Eastern Ladakh front.
Out of these 21 proposals with a value of Rs 82,127 crore were approved for procurement from “indigenous sources”, the ministry added.
“It is pertinent to mention that 21 proposals, worth Rs 82,127 crore (97.4%), are approved for procurement from indigenous sources. This unprecedented initiative of DAC will not only modernize the Armed Forces but also provide a substantial boost to the defence industry to achieve the goal of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’,” the Ministry of Defence further said.
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