DELHI- On Friday (Feb 16, 2024), the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the highest decision-making body within the Ministry of Defence (MoD), approved the acquisition of military equipment amounting to Rs 84,560 crore.
This includes cutting-edge anti-tank mines, air defense tactical control radar, heavy-weight torpedoes, and software-defined radios.
DAC Approves 84,000 Crore Defense Deal
India is specifically exploring the procurement of six mid-air refuelers, aiming to enhance the operational capabilities and range of the Indian Air Force (IAF), as stated by the MoD.
Currently, the IAF utilizes Russian-origin IL-78 planes for this purpose but is now considering options from American and European manufacturers. Sources suggest that the IAF may either issue a tender for this acquisition or explore a collaboration with the manufacturer.
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has also given approval for the acquisition of 15 C295 planes produced by Tata-Airbus.
In 2021, the Indian Air Force (IAF) placed an order for 56 of these planes, and the first delivery occurred in September of the previous year. The sanctioned project today focuses on maritime reconnaissance, featuring specialized surveillance pods that facilitate multi-mode operations. Nine of these planes will be allocated to the Navy, while six are designated for use by the Coast Guard.
The total cost for this procurement is Rs 29,000 crore, with four planes to be manufactured at the Airbus facility in Spain and the remaining to be produced at the Tata-Airbus facility in India.
Furthermore, the mechanized forces of the Army will be equipped with canister-launched loitering ammunition, an investment totaling Rs 800 crore. These munitions have the capability to linger in the air over a designated area and can be directed from the ground to target specific objectives.
Other Equipment
The Army is set to acquire 25 new radars designed to detect slow, small, and low-flying targets such as UAVs, commonly utilized from across the border for purposes like weapon drops, drug transport, and surveillance. Valued at Rs 2,500 crore, these radars will serve multiple functions, including surveillance, detection, and tracking of various targets.
Additionally, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has authorized the procurement of 45,000 new-generation anti-tank mines equipped with seismic sensors and remote deactivation capabilities, along with additional safety features. This procurement is estimated at Rs 650 crore.
Furthermore, heavy-weight torpedoes have been approved for the Kalvari-class submarines.
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