Proposals include new generation anti-tank mines, Air Defence Tactical Control Radar, Heavy Weight Torpedoes, Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance and Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft, Flight Refueller Aircraft and Software Defined Radios
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on Friday accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisition proposals worth Rs 84,560 crore, including new generation anti-tank mines, air defence tactical control radar, heavy-weight torpedoes, medium-range maritime reconnaissance and multi-mission maritime aircraft, flight refueller aircraft and software-defined radios to boost the capabilities of the Armed Forces and Indian Coast Guard. Aligned with the spirit of ‘Atmanirbharta’ (self-reliance), the approvals emphasised procuring various equipment from Indian vendors. The DAC, which Defence Minister Rajnath Singh heads, is among the top bodies for clearing major capital acquisitions for defence. AoN is the first step in the long defence procurement process. However, the grant of an AoN does not necessarily lead to a final order.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Defence, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) under the Buy {Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured (IDDM)} category. It is for acquiring a new generation of Anti-tank mines equipped with seismic sensors, a remote deactivation feature, and additional safety measures. The objective is to augment operational effectiveness and dominance in the Tactical Battle Area, enabling the Mechanised Forces to engage targets Beyond the Visual Line of Sight.
Furthermore, the AoN under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category has been approved to procure a Canister Launched Anti-Armour Loiter Munition System. It aims to bolster capabilities in engaging targets beyond the line of sight, thereby contributing to enhancing operational efficiency and control in the Tactical Battle Area for Mechanised Forces.
To fortify Air Defence Systems, particularly in terms of detecting slow, small, and low-flying targets, as well as enhancing capabilities for surveillance, detection, and tracking of various targets, Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) has been granted for the acquisition of Air Defence Tactical Control Radar under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category.
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has also approved the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for purchasing Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance and Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft under the Buy and Make category. This decision aims to enhance the surveillance and interdiction capabilities of both the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) across the expansive maritime territories of the country.
Furthermore, to ensure the continued preparedness of Indian Naval Ships against potential threats from adversaries, Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) has been granted under the Buy (Indian) category. It is for acquiring an Active Towed Array Sonar capable of operating at low frequencies and various depths, enabling long-range detection of adversary submarines. Additionally, AoN has been approved to procure heavy-weight torpedoes to augment the offensive capabilities of Kalvari Class submarines. Moreover, AoN has been granted sustainment support through Follow On Support (FOS) and Repair Replenishment support via Follow On Supply Support (FOSS) for 24 MH60R aircraft under the Foreign Military Sale route with the US government, the statement states.
In other procurement proposals, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) granted the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the acquisition of Flight Refueler Aircraft to enhance the operational capabilities and extend the reach of the Indian Air Force. Moreover, AoN has been accorded under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category for procuring Software Defined Radios for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). It will meet the ICG’s need for high-speed communication with secure networking capability, facilitating seamless information exchange between the ICG and Indian Navy units.
Ravi Shankar
