NEW DELHI: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved capital acquisition proposals totaling over ₹54,000 crore. The approvals encompass critical procurements for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, alongside reforms to expedite the acquisition process.
Key Approvals:
- Indian Army: The DAC has sanctioned the procurement of 1,350 horsepower (HP) engines to upgrade the existing 1,000 HP engines in T-90 tanks. This enhancement aims to improve the tanks’ battlefield mobility, particularly in high-altitude areas, by increasing their power-to-weight ratio.
- Indian Navy: Approval has been granted for the acquisition of Varunastra torpedoes, indigenously developed ship-launched anti-submarine weapons by the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory. The induction of these torpedoes is expected to strengthen the Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
- Indian Air Force: The DAC has approved the procurement of Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft systems. These systems serve as force multipliers, enhancing real-time surveillance, early warning, and command and control capabilities, thereby significantly boosting the Air Force’s operational effectiveness.
Reforms in Acquisition Process
As part of the Ministry of Defence’s initiative to observe 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms,’ the DAC has also approved guidelines aimed at reducing timelines in the capital acquisition process. These measures are designed to make the procurement process faster, more effective, and efficient, ensuring timely delivery of critical defence equipment.
The DAC’s approvals underscore India’s commitment to modernizing its armed forces and achieving self-reliance in defence production. The focus on indigenous development, as evidenced by the procurement of Varunastra torpedoes, aligns with the ‘Make in India’ initiative, aiming to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and promote domestic defence manufacturing.
The enhancement of T-90 tanks with more powerful engines reflects a strategic move to maintain superiority in various terrains, including high-altitude regions. Similarly, the induction of AEW&C systems is set to augment the Air Force’s capabilities in modern network-centric warfare.
These approvals by the DAC mark a significant step towards strengthening India’s defence infrastructure. The emphasis on indigenous development and streamlined acquisition processes is poised to enhance the operational readiness of the Indian Armed Forces, ensuring they are well-equipped to address emerging security challenges.