Army signs deal to procure long-range rocket launchers backed by Israeli technology, Pg7

Key Highlights:

• The Indian Army has signed a ₹293 crore contract with NIBE Ltd. and Israel for long-range rocket launchers.
• The rocket launcher system, Suryastra, can strike targets at ranges of 150 km and 300 km.
• NIBE Ltd. collaborated with Elbit Systems, an Israeli defense company, for manufacturing.
• The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved emergency procurement powers until January 15.

Detailed Insights:

• This acquisition will significantly boost the Indian Army's artillery firepower and operational capabilities for deep strikes.
• Suryastra is the first indigenous universal multi-caliber rocket launcher with precision strike capabilities up to 300 km.
• The system can engage multiple targets simultaneously with high accuracy, achieving a circular error probable (CEP) of less than 5 meters during trials.
• The emergency procurement (EP) powers allow the armed services to procure weapons systems up to ₹300 crore urgently.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Emergency Procurement (EP): A provision allowing defense forces to quickly acquire weapons systems.
• Circular Error Probable (CEP): A measure of a weapon system's precision, indicating the radius within which 50% of strikes will land.
• Defence Acquisition Council (DAC): The body responsible for approving defense procurement proposals in India.