The Defense Ministry is continuously trying to strengthen its three armies. Now, a very important meeting of the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC), the largest body that takes decisions related to defense procurement in the ministry, is going to be held tomorrow on Friday (July 3). Proposals worth more than Rs 1 lakh crore are likely to be considered in the meeting. According to sources related to the Defense Ministry, this could be one of the most important meetings of DAC in recent times.
In this DAC meeting to be led by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, many very expensive procurement proposals can be considered for ‘Acceptance of Necessity’ (AoN). The purpose of these proposals is to greatly strengthen the operational capabilities of the armed forces.
It is believed that if approval is given in this regard, then these proposals will prove to be a major milestone in the direction of India’s military modernization program and the government’s efforts for self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
Emphasis on modernization of army
A large part of these proposals are related to the Indian Army, which is continuously modernizing amid the changing security challenges on the country’s borders.
Among the important proposals expected to be considered in the meeting is the purchase of K-9 Vajra self-propelled artillery gun. 155 mm tracked howitzer cannon has already been inducted into the army. And they have proven their operational utility both in high inaccessible mountainous areas and desert areas.
The DAC may also consider proposals for ‘kamikaze’ (loitering) munitions. In today’s war, these weapons have become very important in conflict due to their ability to aim accurately. According to information received from sources, other proposals include ‘Verba’ man-portable air defense system (MANPADS), additional air defense guns and ‘Active Protection System’ (APS) for tanks and armored fighting vehicles. APS has been specifically designed to protect armored vehicles from anti-tank guided missile and rocket attacks.
Navy and Air Force also have proposals
Apart from the Army, proposals from the Indian Navy, which is also upgrading itself to become a ‘blue-water navy’, include next-generation heavyweight torpedoes, unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles. Their objective is to enhance maritime surveillance capability, strengthen anti-submarine operations and mine countermeasure capabilities.
Apart from this, advanced electronic warfare suits and sonar systems are also expected to be considered to improve underwater detection and surveillance capabilities. Proposals from the Navy as well as the Indian Air Force include long-range stand-off precision missiles, air-to-air refueling aircraft and advanced air defense radar systems. Their purpose is to increase operational range and air defense capabilities.
Important role of BEL and BDL
Government defense companies like Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) are likely to play an important role in the production of these projects. If these proposals get AoN, it will be an important step towards strengthening the defense capabilities of the country and giving a big boost to indigenous defense production under Self-reliant India.
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