Defense Ministry approves arms procurement worth ₹ 28,732 crore

National

The Defence Ministry cleared purchase bids for the armed services worth over Rs 28,732 crore on Tuesday, including swarm drones, bulletproof vests, and carbines.

The Defense Procurement Council (DAC) granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisition proposals of the armed services totaling Rs 28,732 crore at the meeting under the Buy (Indian IDDM) and Buy (Indian) categories, providing a further boost to “Atmanirbhar Bharat” in defence. DAC granted AoN for bulletproof jackets with Indian standard BIS VI level of protection due to the demand for protection against the threat of enemy snipers to Indian troops deployed along the Line of Control (LOC) and in close combat operations in counter-terrorism scenarios, according to the ministry.

The DAC has also granted an AoN for the introduction of about 4 lakh Close Quarter Battle Carbines for the services to confront the present complex paradigm of conventional and hybrid warfare and counter-terrorism along the LAC and Eastern Borders.

This is expected to give a significant boost to India’s small weapons manufacturing industry and boost “Atmanirbhar Bharat.”

Drone technology has shown to be a force multiplier in military operations in recent wars throughout the world. As a result, the DAC has granted AoN for the acquisition of Autonomous Surveillance and Armed Drone Swarms under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category to strengthen the Indian Army’s capacity in contemporary warfare.

The DAC also accepted the Navy’s plan to acquire an enhanced 1250KW capacity marine gas turbine generator from Indian industry for power generating applications onboard Kolkata-class ships.

This will significantly enhance domestic manufacture of gas turbine generators.

In order to improve security in our country’s coastal regions, DAC also authorised the proposal for the acquisition of 14 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) for the Indian Coast Guard under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) with 60% IC.