In a significant move to bolster India’s defence capabilities, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved 10 capital acquisition proposals worth Rs 1.45 lakh crore.
This strategic decision underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing the country’s defence preparedness and promoting indigenous defence manufacturing.
Indigenous Focus: A Push for ‘Make in India’
An overwhelming 99% of the approved proposals are sourced from within India, falling under the “Buy (Indian)” and “Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured)” categories.
This focus on indigenous procurement aligns with the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, aimed at reducing reliance on foreign defence imports and boosting the domestic defence industry.
The official statement highlighted that these acquisitions are set to modernize and strengthen various branches of the Indian Armed Forces, ensuring they are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and equipment.
Future Ready Combat Vehicles: Enhancing Army’s Firepower
One of the most notable approvals is the procurement of Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs) for the Indian Army.
These FRCVs represent a new generation of main battle tanks that promise superior mobility, all-terrain capability, and advanced protection systems.
Designed for precision and lethal strikes, these tanks will offer real-time situational awareness, making them a formidable asset on the battlefield.
The acquisition of FRCVs is expected to significantly enhance the combat readiness of the Indian Army, providing it with cutting-edge capabilities to counter emerging threats.
Strengthening Air Defence Capabilities
The DAC also approved the procurement of Air Defence Fire Control Radars. These radars will play a critical role in detecting and tracking aerial targets, providing accurate firing solutions to neutralize potential threats.
This addition will bolster India’s air defence network, ensuring comprehensive coverage and quick response times in the event of an aerial attack.
Forward Repair Teams: Ensuring Operational Continuity
Another key approval is for the procurement of Forward Repair Teams (Tracked), which are designed to maintain and repair military vehicles during mechanized operations.
Developed by Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited, these repair teams offer excellent cross-country mobility, allowing them to perform in-situ repairs even in challenging terrains.
They are set to be deployed with both mechanized Infantry Battalions and Armoured Regiments, ensuring that operational continuity is maintained in combat scenarios.
Boosting Indian Coast Guard Capabilities
In addition to the Indian Army and Air Force, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is also set to receive a significant upgrade.
Three proposals have been approved to enhance the ICG’s operational capabilities. These include the procurement of Dornier-228 aircraft, Next Generation Fast Patrol Vessels (NGFPVs), and Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs).
The Dornier-228 aircraft are versatile platforms capable of performing a range of missions, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and search and rescue operations.
The NGFPVs and NGOPVs, designed for high performance in rough weather conditions, will enhance the ICG’s ability to patrol India’s vast maritime zones, conduct search and rescue missions, and respond to disasters at sea.
A Comprehensive Strategy for Modernization
These approvals by the DAC are part of a broader strategy to modernize India’s armed forces and equip them with the latest technologies.
The emphasis on indigenous production not only strengthens India’s defence capabilities but also stimulates the domestic defence industry, creating jobs and fostering innovation.
The government’s focus on modernizing its defence forces comes at a time when regional security dynamics are evolving rapidly.
With these acquisitions, India is not only preparing to meet current security challenges but also positioning itself to counter future threats effectively.
Conclusion: A Strategic Leap Towards Self-Reliance
The Defence Ministry’s approval of Rs 1.45 lakh crore worth of acquisition proposals marks a significant step towards building a self-reliant and robust defence infrastructure.
By prioritizing indigenous procurement, the government is ensuring that India’s defence forces are equipped with cutting-edge technology while simultaneously fostering the growth of the domestic defence industry.
As these projects move from approval to execution, they will play a crucial role in enhancing India’s defence capabilities and ensuring the nation’s security in the years to come.
