New Delhi: In a major push towards strengthening India’s defence preparedness and self-reliance, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved capital acquisition proposals worth approximately ₹79,000 crore for the armed forces. The meeting, held at South Block, sanctioned a range of procurements aimed at significantly enhancing the operational capabilities of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
For the Indian Army, the DAC granted acceptance of necessity (AoN) for the procurement of the Nag Missile System (Tracked) Mk-II (NAMIS), Ground Based Mobile ELINT System (GBMES) and High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs) with material handling cranes. The NAMIS is designed to neutralize enemy tanks, bunkers and fortifications, while the GBMES will strengthen electronic intelligence-gathering capabilities. The induction of HMVs will improve logistics support in varied terrains.
For the Indian Navy, approvals were accorded for the acquisition of Landing Platform Docks (LPD), 30mm Naval Surface Guns (NSG), Advanced Lightweight Torpedoes (ALWT), Electro Optical Infra-Red Search and Track Systems, and Smart Ammunition for the 76mm Super Rapid Gun Mount. The LPDs will enhance India’s amphibious and humanitarian response capabilities, while the indigenously developed ALWT, designed by DRDO’s Naval Science & Technological Laboratory, will bolster anti-submarine warfare readiness. The 30mm NSG systems will also aid in maritime security and anti-piracy operations.
For the Indian Air Force, the DAC approved the Collaborative Long Range Target Saturation/Destruction System (CLRTS/DS), among other proposals. The advanced system is capable of autonomous operations, including take-off, landing, navigation, target detection, and payload delivery.
These acquisitions underscore India’s emphasis on Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence production and its commitment to modernizing the armed forces to meet contemporary and future security challenges.