Defence Ministry Clears Acquisition Of Radars, Light Helicopters Worth Rs 21,772 Crore
The DAC, headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, granted 'acceptance of necessity' for the procurement of 31 new water jet fast attack crafts for the Indian Navy.
(Image for representational purpose. Photo source: SaiKrishna Saketh Yellapragada/Unsplash)
The Defence Acquisition Council on Tuesday issued its nod for five capital acquisition proposals, worth over Rs 21,772 crore, for the Indian armed forces.
The clearance is given for procurement of water jet fast attack crafts, fast interceptor craft, electronic warfare suite, next generation radar warning receiver, and advanced light helicopters for surveillance in coastal areas, according to an official release.
The DAC, headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, granted Acceptance of Necessity for the procurement of 31 new water jet fast attack crafts for the Indian Navy, it said.
These vessels are designed for low-intensity maritime operations, surveillance, patrol, and search and rescue missions near the coast. Additionally, they will play a key role in anti-piracy operations, particularly around our island territories, according to the release.
The council also cleared procurement of 120 fast interceptor craft or FIC-1 that are capable to perform multiple roles, including escorting high value units such as aircraft carriers, destroyers, and frigates, submarines for coastal defence.
The electronic warfare suite or EWS—the procurement of which was also cleared by the DAC—comprise of external airborne self protection jammer pods, next generation radar warning receiver and associated equipment for the frontline Russian-origin Su-30 MKI aircraft.
This system will enhance the operational capabilities of Su-30 MKI and protect it from enemy radars and related weapon system while carrying out a mission against enemy targets protected by air defence systems, the release stated.
The DAC also approved the procurement of six "Advanced Light Helicopters-M (Maritime Role)" for the Indian Coast Guard to strengthen coastal security and surveillance around the country's 7,500-km shoreline, it added.
Furthermore, the council accorded approval for the "overhaul of T-72 and T-90 tanks, BMP- and engines of Sukhoi fighter aircraft which will enhance the service life of these assets", the defence ministry said.
