Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) — the in-principle approval for defence procurement — for a range of acquisition proposals worth about Rs 1.10 lakh crore for the armed forces.
For the Indian Army, the approved acquisitions include Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) reconnaissance vehicles, High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs), Self-Propelled Mechanical Mine Layers (MMLs), Advanced Light Helicopters (ALHs), Trawl Tanks and the Sarvatra Bridge System.
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The CBRN reconnaissance vehicles will help detect, identify, monitor and mark areas contaminated by chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear agents. HMVs are expected to improve mobility, logistics support and operational capability in difficult terrain, while MMLs will enable faster and more responsive mine-laying operations. The ALHs will support complex missions across diverse terrains and operational conditions for both the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. Trawl Tanks and the Sarvatra Bridge System will assist combat formations in creating crossings during military operations in varied terrains.
For the Indian Navy, the DAC approved the procurement of Arudhra Radars and the design, development and subsequent procurement of Marine Gas Turbines (MGTs). The Arudhra Radars will replace existing Air Route Surveillance Radars at naval air stations, while the indigenous MGT programme is aimed at reducing dependence on foreign suppliers for warship propulsion systems.
The Indian Air Force received approval for several proposals aimed at strengthening the combat capabilities of its fighter aircraft, transport fleet and helicopters. The DAC also cleared the procurement of Ground-Based Multi-Purpose Jammers (GBMPJs) and the installation of the Defence Forces Secure Access Card (DEFSAC) system.
The GBMPJ system will enable effective jamming of adversary radar networks, while DEFSAC will replace paper-based identity cards, passes and permits with interoperable radio-frequency identification (RFID)-based smart cards.
According to the Defence Ministry, nearly 98% of the total procurements approved under these AoNs will be sourced from Indian industry, providing a major boost to domestic defence manufacturing.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
