Parul
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has granted approval for nine capital acquisition proposals totaling approximately Rs 45,000 crore. The meeting, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on September 15, 2023, marked a significant step towards advancing India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative, as all procurements will be sourced from Indian vendors under the ‘Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured (IDDM)/Buy (Indian)’ category.
To bolster the protection, mobility, attack capabilities, and survivability of the Mechanised Forces, the DAC approved the acquisition of Light Armored Multipurpose Vehicles (LAMV) and Integrated Surveillance and Targeting Systems (ISAT-S). Furthermore, the DAC greenlit the procurement of High Mobility Vehicle (HMV) Gun Towing Vehicles to expedite the mobilization and deployment of artillery guns and radars.
Additionally, the DAC endorsed the acquisition of Next Generation Survey Vessels for the Indian Navy, significantly enhancing its capabilities for hydrographic operations.
The DAC also granted approval for proposals from the Indian Air Force, including the avionic upgrade of Dornier Aircraft to enhance operational accuracy and reliability. The procurement of Dhruvastra Short-Range Air-to-Surface Missiles, serving as a potent Indigenous Precision Guided Weapon for indigenously built ALH Mk-IV Helicopters, has been given the green light. Furthermore, the DAC approved the acquisition of 12 Su-30 MKI Aircraft along with associated equipment from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
During the meeting, Rajnath Singh emphasised the need to elevate ambitions in terms of indigenisation. He stated, “Instead of a threshold of 50 per cent indigenous content for IDDM projects, we should aim for a minimum of 60-65 per cent indigenous content.” The Defence Minister directed the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, Defence Secretary, and DG (Acquisition) to collaborate with the Indian Industry to work towards increasing the minimum indigenous content threshold.”
