DAC gives its nod for defence purchases worth ₹79,000 cr., Pg12

Key Highlights:

• The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved capital acquisition proposals worth approximately ₹79,000 crore for the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• The Indian Army will procure Loiter Munition Systems, Low Level Light Weight Radars, Long Range Guided Rocket Ammunition for Pinaka MRLS, and Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDD&IS) Mk-II.
• The Indian Navy will acquire Bollard Pull (BP) Tugs, High Frequency Software Defined Radio (HF SDR) Manpack systems, and lease High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS).
• The Indian Air Force will procure the Automatic Take-off and Landing Recording System, Astra Mk-II missiles, Full Mission Simulators, and SPICE-1000 long-range guidance kits.

Detailed Insights:

• The Loiter Munition Systems will provide the Army with precision strike capabilities against tactical targets.
• Low Level Light Weight Radars will improve the Army's ability to detect and track small, low-flying unmanned aerial systems.
• The Pinaka MRLS range and accuracy will be enhanced by the Long Range Guided Rockets, enabling effective engagement.
• The IDD&IS Mk-II will offer enhanced protection to vital assets in tactical battle areas and the hinterland.
• Bollard Pull Tugs will assist naval ships and submarines during berthing and maneuvering in confined harbor waters.
• HF SDR Manpack systems will enhance long-range secure communications during naval boarding and landing operations.
• HALE RPAS will provide persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance across the Indian Ocean Region, strengthening maritime domain awareness.
• The Automatic Take-off and Landing Recording System will enhance aerospace safety through high-definition, all-weather automatic recording.
• Astra Mk-II missiles will boost the IAF's fighter aircraft capability to engage targets from extended distances.
• The Full Mission Simulator for the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas will strengthen pilot training in a cost-effective environment.
• SPICE-1000 kits will enhance the IAF’s long-range precision strike capability.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Acceptance of Necessity (AoN): A crucial step in India's defence procurement procedure, signifying the initial approval for acquiring specific defense equipment or systems.
• Maritime Domain Awareness: Understanding anything associated with the maritime domain that could impact the security, safety, economy, or environment of a nation.
• Defence Acquisition Council (DAC): The body that decides on new policies and capital acquisitions for the Indian armed forces.