Defence Acquisition Council clears weapons worth Rs 67,000 crore for Indian Armed Forces

New Delhi: The Defence Ministry on Tuesday approved purchasing weapons worth Rs 67,000 crore including long range UAVs for three services and mountain radar to improve surveillance along the northern and western borders.

An Acceptance of Necessity – the first approval in India’s military procurement process - was accorded to acquire Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) remotely piloted aircraft for army, air force and navy.

“The proposed MALE unmanned aerial vehicles can carry multiple payloads and weapons and operate at longer ranges for long endurance missions. They will significantly enhance round-the-clock surveillance and combat capability of the armed forces,” a Defence Ministry spokesperson said.

The Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh sanctioned the proposals, many of which sought to improve India’s air defence that was put to test during Operation Sindoor.

The IAF received the nod to buy mountain radars and upgrade its Saksham/Spyder weapons – a low level quick-reaction surface to air missile system for air defence.

The upgradation will dovetail the missile systems with IAF’s Integrated Air Command and Control System to boost the country’s air defence capability.

The procurement of mountain radars, on the other hand, will enhance air surveillance capability along and across the borders in the mountainous region.

The Indian Army received sanction for the procurement of thermal imager-based driver night sight for armoured vehicles (BMP).

This would enhance the BMP’s night driving capability and provide higher mobility and operational advantage to the Mechanised Infantry.

For the Indian Navy, the DAC gave a green signal to procure compact autonomous surface craft, BrahMos fire control system and launchers, and upgradation of Barak-1 point defence missile System.

“The procurement of compact autonomous surface craft will give the navy a key capability for detection, classification and neutralisation of threats in anti-submarine warfare missions,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

DAC also gave approvals for sustenance of C-17 and C-130J fleets and comprehensive annual maintenance contract of S-400 Long Range Air Defence Missile System.