Indigenous defence procurement worth ₹1.05 lakh cr. cleared, Pg14

Context:

• The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 10 indigenous capital acquisition proposals worth ₹1.05 lakh crore to enhance India's air and naval defence capabilities, especially along the Pakistan border.

Key Highlights:

• DAC chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved 10 capital acquisition proposals through indigenous sources.
• The proposals are worth a total of ₹1.05 lakh crore, including ₹30,000 crore for Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) systems.
• Procurements include Armoured Recovery Vehicles, Electronic Warfare Systems, and an Integrated Common Inventory Management System for the Tri-Services.
• AoNs granted under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category to boost indigenous R&D and manufacturing.
• Naval procurement includes Moored Mines, Mine Counter Measure Vessels, Super Rapid Gun Mounts, and Submersible Autonomous Vessels.
• These initiatives aim to enhance operational preparedness and strengthen air defence along the Pakistan border.
• This was the first DAC meeting after Operation Sindoor, a military readiness operation.

Detailed Insights:

• The approval signifies a strategic push for self-reliance in defence under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
• QRSAMs will provide high mobility and rapid deployment air defence capabilities, crucial for border zones facing aerial threats.
• The Tri-Service inventory system aims at streamlined logistics and supply chain across the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• Naval systems like Moored Mines and Autonomous Vessels are intended to safeguard sea lanes and protect merchant shipping against underwater threats.
• The emphasis on the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category reflects a policy shift towards indigenously designed and developed platforms rather than imported systems.
• The procurement plan underscores India's efforts to counter external threats from Pakistan and China while reducing foreign defence dependence.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM): A short-range missile system designed for rapid deployment and interception of aerial targets at low and medium altitudes.
• Buy (Indian-IDDM): A procurement category that mandates acquisition from Indian vendors who have designed, developed, and manufactured the products indigenously.
• Moored Mines: Stationary naval mines anchored to the seabed to deter enemy ships and submarines.
• Submersible Autonomous Vessels: Unmanned underwater vehicles capable of surveillance and mine countermeasures.