Defence Acquisition Council Approves Capital Acquisition Proposals Worth Rs 84,560 Crore, Emphasizing Aatmanirbharta

New Delhi:  The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh, has given its approval for Acceptance of Necessity (AoNs) for various capital acquisition proposals, totaling Rs 84,560 crore. The approvals, granted on February 16, 2024, underscore the commitment to ‘Aatmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) in defence procurement, with special emphasis on sourcing equipment from Indian vendors.

Among the approved proposals is the acquisition of a new generation of Anti-tank mines featuring seismic sensors and remote deactivation capabilities with additional safety features. The AoN under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured – IDDM) category aims to enhance operational efficiency for Mechanised Forces in the Tactical Battle Area.

Additionally, the DAC granted AoN for the procurement of Canister Launched Anti-Armour Loiter Munition System, supporting the engagement of targets Beyond Visual Line of Sight by Mechanised Forces. This further strengthens India’s capabilities in the Tactical Battle Area.

In a bid to fortify Air Defence Systems, especially in detecting slow, small, and low-flying targets, the DAC approved the procurement of Air Defence Tactical Control Radar under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category.

The DAC has also granted AoN for the Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance and Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft, through the Buy and Make category. This move is aimed at enhancing the surveillance and interdiction capabilities of the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard in the vast maritime area.

To stay ahead of potential threats in maritime environments, the DAC approved AoN under the Buy (Indian) category for the procurement of Active Towed Array Sonar, designed for long-range detections of adversary submarines. Furthermore, the AoN was granted for the procurement of Heavy Weight Torpedoes, enhancing the attacking capabilities of Kalvari Class submarines.

The DAC approved AoN for sustainment support through Follow On Support (FOS) and Repair Replenishment support through Follow On Supply Support (FOSS) for 24 MH60R aircraft under the Foreign Military Sale route with the US Government.

In a significant development to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force, the DAC granted AoN for the procurement of Flight Refueller Aircraft. Another AoN under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category was given for the procurement of Software Defined Radios for the Indian Coast Guard, addressing the need for high-speed communication with secure networking capability.

In an effort to foster a friendly defence start-up ecosystem and promote the procurement of advanced technologies from start-ups and MSMEs, the DAC approved amendments in the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020. The changes involve benchmarking, cost computation, payment schedule, procurement quantity, and aim to provide incentives and a supportive business environment for start-ups and MSMEs under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and Technology Development Fund (TDF) schemes. This move aligns with the government’s commitment to ‘Ease of Doing Business’ and encourages innovation in defence technologies.