Defence Ministry Greenlights Major Military Hardware Acquisition
Significant Military Hardware Acquisition Approved
A file photo of the Republic Day parade in New Delhi. (Photo:X)
New Delhi, Sep 7: On Monday, the Defence Ministry sanctioned the procurement of military equipment for the three armed services, which includes advanced light helicopters, radars, and mechanical mine layers, with an estimated expenditure of Rs 1.10 lakh crore aimed at enhancing the military's combat capabilities.
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved these procurement proposals.
According to the ministry, the DAC granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), which serves as an initial administrative endorsement for various acquisition plans of the defence forces, totaling around Rs 1,10,000 crore.
For the Indian Army, the approval encompasses the acquisition of Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) reconnaissance vehicles, high mobility vehicles (HMVs), self-propelled mechanical mine layers (MML), advanced light helicopters (ALHs), trawl tanks, and the Sarvatra bridge system.
The CBRN reconnaissance vehicles are designed to detect, identify, monitor, and mark areas contaminated by CBRN agents.
HMVs are anticipated to improve operational capabilities, logistical support, and mobility in difficult terrains.
According to the ministry, the ALHs will perform complex missions across diverse terrains and operational scenarios for both the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. The trawl tanks and bridge system will facilitate composite crossings for combat formations during operations in varied environments.
For the Indian Navy, the AoN was granted for the acquisition of Arudhra radars and the design, development, and subsequent procurement of Marine Gas Turbines (MGT).
The Arudhra radars will replace the current Air Route surveillance radars at various Naval Air Stations, while the MGT, a propulsion system for warships, aims to lessen reliance on foreign suppliers.
In terms of the Indian Air Force, approvals were given for several initiatives to bolster the combat capabilities of fighters, transport aircraft, and helicopters.
The ministry also confirmed the procurement of Ground-Based Multi-Purpose Jammer (GBMPJ) and the installation of a Defence Forces Secure Access Card system.
The GBMPJ is intended to provide effective jamming against enemy radars, as stated by the ministry.
Notably, around 98 percent of the total procurements will be sourced from the Indian industry, the ministry added.