In a mega push to the domestic defence manufacturing industry, India approved the capital acquisition of indigenously developed military hardware worth Rs. 70,500 crore. The approval of the procurement proposals was accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on 16 March in the capital. Indian Navy proposals constitute more than Rs 56,000 crore, mainly including indigenous BrahMos missiles, Shakti Electronic Warfare (EW) systems, and Utility Helicopters-Maritime, according to the statement issued by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
“While this additional procurement of BrahMos missile system will enhance the maritime strike capabilities & Anti-Surface Warfare Operation, the addition of Utility Helicopters will multiply the operational readiness of the Indian Navy in the domain of Search & Rescue operations, Casualty Evacuation, Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Relief (HADR. Similarly, Shakti EW systems will equip and modernise the frontline Naval ships to counter any Naval Operations by the adversaries,” the statement further said.
The DAC also approved Indian Air Force’s proposal for a long-range stand-off weapon, indigenously designed, developed, and integrated into SU-30 MKI aircraft.
For the Indian Army, the apex procurement body approved the procurement of 155mm/52 caliber advanced towed artillery gun system, high mobility, and gun towing vehicles.
“It also accorded AoN to procure advance light helicopters MK-III from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the Indian Coast Guard. The helicopter can carry a suite of surveillance sensors to enhance the surveillance capabilities. It will also give full night capability and Instrument Flight Rules capability for operations of the Indian Coast Guard,” the statement added.
Including today’s proposals, the total AoN granted for Capital Acquisition in the Financial Year 2022-23 is over Rs 2.71 lakh crore, out of which 99% of the procurement will be sourced from Indian industries. Such quantum of indigenous procurement will galvanise the Indian industries towards achieving the goal of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
Team BharatShakti
