DAC clears defence acquisition proposals worth Rs 2.12 lakh crore; 82% to be sourced from Indian industry

New Delhi, Oct 26 (UNI) The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Monday accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) to capital acquisition proposals worth approximately Rs 2.12 lakh crore for the three services, with around 82 per cent of the procurements slated to be sourced from the Indian industry.

The approvals cover a wide range of military hardware and systems for the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, including artillery systems, helicopters, air defence equipment, unmanned aerial systems, surveillance platforms and naval capabilities. For the Indian Army, the council approved proposals for High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs), Self-Propelled Tracked Gun Systems, Gun Shot Response Systems (GSRS), Light Multi Role Helicopters (LMRH), Very Short-Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS), platform-based Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS), long-range unmanned aerial systems, surveillance UAVs, integrated surveillance and strike systems, and long-range kamikaze drone systems.

The HMVs are intended to improve mobility, operational capability and logistical support in challenging terrain, while the Self-Propelled Tracked Gun Systems will provide mechanised formations with matching mobility and firepower. The GSRS will act as a force multiplier by providing real-time situational awareness.

The LMRHs, intended for use by both the Army and the Air Force, will support reconnaissance and surveillance, combat operations, search and rescue, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions. The VSHORADS will help counter emerging small aerial threats, while platform-based C-UAS will enhance the survivability of tanks on the modern battlefield. The proposed surveillance and drone systems are expected to strengthen the Army's reconnaissance, surveillance and targeting capabilities.

For the Indian Navy, the DAC accorded approval for the procurement of an Active Offboard Decoy System (AODS) and other major naval platforms. The AODS is designed to strengthen the effectiveness of naval anti-missile defence, particularly against modern anti-ship missiles. The indigenously designed and constructed naval platforms will incorporate contemporary warfare capabilities and enhance the Navy's combat potential. The Indian Air Force received approval for the procurement of helicopters, air defence systems, weapons and Mobile X-Band Doppler Weather Radar Systems to bolster its air defence and war-fighting capabilities.

The proposed Special Utility Helicopters will address important air transport requirements, while the X-Band Doppler Weather Radar Systems will provide high-resolution, localised weather surveillance in forward areas. The latest approvals are aimed at strengthening the operational preparedness of the armed forces across diverse combat environments while providing a significant push to domestic defence manufacturing. With approximately 82 per cent of the total approved procurement value earmarked for the Indian industry, the decisions are also expected to support indigenous defence production.

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