In a boost for the Indian Armed Forces, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on Thursday approved Rs 3.60 lakh crore worth of acquisition proposals, including for Rafale fighter jets and P8I, a long range maritime reconnaissance aircraft.
The capital acquisition of military hardware was approved by the DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said that for the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) was approved for the procurement of Rafale, a Multi Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA), Combat Missiles and Air-Ship Based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (AS-HAPS).
"The procurement of Rafale will enhance the capability of undertaking air dominance roles across the spectrum of conflict and significantly boost the deterrence capabilities of the IAF with long-range offensive strikes," said MoD in a statement.
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The ministry said that the majority of MRFA to be procured will be manufactured in India.
"The Combat Missiles will enhance the stand-off ground attack capability with deep strike power and very high accuracy. The AS-HAPS will be utilised towards carrying out persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Electronic Intelligence, telecommunication and remote sensing for military purposes," stated MoD.
The DAC also cleared proposals for the procurement of Anti-Tank Mines (Vibhav) for the Indian Army and the overhaul of Vehicle Platforms of Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARVs), T-72 Tanks and Infantry Combat Vehicles.
"The overhaul of vehicle platforms of ARVs, T-72 Tanks and Infantry Combat Vehicles will enhance the service life of equipment ensuring readiness and operational effectiveness of the Indian Army," said the Ministry.
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For the Indian Navy, the DAC cleared proposals to acquire four MW Marine Gas Turbine-based Electric Power Generator and P8I Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft, which will significantly boost the Navy's combat/war-fighting capability of long-range anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance and maritime strike capability.
The ministry stated that induction of a four MW Marine Gas Turbine-based Electric Power Generator under the Make-I category of Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 will minimise the dependency on foreign manufacturers and ensure self-reliance on the power generation requirements of the Indian Navy.
The proposal for the procurement of an Electro-Optical/Infra-Red system for Dornier aircraft for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), was also cleared.
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