Defence Ministry approves arms procurement proposals worth Rs 28,732 crore

New Delhi, July 27: In a significant development, the Defence Acquisition Council headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved arms procurement proposals worth Rs 28,732 crore under Buy (Indian IDDM) and Buy (Indian) categories boosting ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence sector.

 

Among the proposals approved by DAC are three proposals of the Indian Army i.e. Guided Extended Range Rocket Ammunition, Area Denial Munition Type I and Infantry Combat Vehicle – Command which have been designed and developed by DRDO. The total value of these three proposals is Rs 8,599 crore.

 

 

It should be noted that the Guided Extended Range Rocket Ammunition has the range of 75 kms with accuracy of 40 meters. whereas the Aerial Denial Munition Type I Rocket Ammunition contains dual purpose sub munitions capable of neutralizing both tanks and armoured personnel carriers as well as B vehicle entrenched troops. Besides, the Infantry Combat Vehicle – Command is equipped with technology to collect, disseminate, share and present real time information to commanders to facilitate quick decision making for execution of tasks.

 

 

DAC has also approved to procure Bullet Proof Jackets with Indian Standard BIS VI level of protection. This development came after there was high demand of enhanced protection against the threat of enemy snipers to our troops deployed along the Line of Control and in close combat operations in counter terrorism scenario. Apart from this, 4 lakh of Close Quarter Battle Carbines for the Services has been approved to combat the current complex paradigm of conventional and hybrid warfare and counter terrorism at the borders.This is set to provide major impetus to the small arms manufacturing industry in India and enhancing ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in small arms.

 

Considering that the recent conflicts across the world where drone technology have proved to be a force multiplier in military operations, it has approved procurement of Autonomous Surveillance and Armed Drone Swarms under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category. This is to augment Indian Army’s capability in modern warfare.

 

The DAC also approved Navy’s proposal to procure upgraded 1250KW capacity Marine Gas Turbine Generator for power generation application onboard Kolkata class of ships through Indian Industry. This will give a major boost to indigenous manufacturing of gas turbine generators. In order to enhance the security in the coastal region of the country, the DAC also approved the proposal of procurement of 14 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) for Indian Coast Guard under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) with 60% IC.