Centre Approves Defence Deals Worth ₹2.12 Lakh Cr., Pg10

Key Highlights:

• The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved capital acquisition proposals worth approximately ₹2.12 lakh crore.
• This Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) covers procurements for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• Approximately 82% of these procurements are earmarked to be sourced from the domestic defence industry, boosting indigenization.
• The approvals include high mobility vehicles, self-propelled tracked gun systems, VSHORADS, and counter-UAS for the Army.
• The Navy will procure Active Offboard Decoy Systems (AODS) and other major naval platforms.
• The Air Force will acquire helicopters, air defence systems, weapons, and mobile X-band doppler weather radar systems.

Detailed Insights:

• The DAC is the highest decision-making body in the Ministry of Defence for capital acquisitions, formed in 2001 post-Kargil War.
• Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) is an in-principle administrative approval, signifying that a capability is required and allowing the procurement process to proceed.
• This approval does not mean equipment has been purchased but rather enters the proposals into India's defence procurement pipeline.
• The focus on domestic sourcing aligns with India's broader Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, aiming for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
• The procurement of Very Short-Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS) will enhance the Army's capability against small aerial threats.
• Platform-based Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) will improve the survivability of tanks on modern battlefields.
• Active Offboard Decoy Systems (AODS) will strengthen the Navy's anti-missile defence capabilities, particularly against modern anti-ship missiles.
• The acquisition of mobile X-band doppler weather radar systems will provide high-resolution, localized weather surveillance for the Air Force.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Defence Acquisition Council (DAC): The apex body in India's Ministry of Defence responsible for approving policies and capital acquisitions for the armed forces.
• Acceptance of Necessity (AoN): The initial administrative approval granted by the DAC for a defence procurement proposal, formally accepting the need for an acquisition.
• Indigenization (Defence): The strategic development and domestic manufacturing of military equipment within a country to achieve self-reliance and reduce import dependency.