DAC approves proposals worth Rs 7,800 crore to enhance operational capabilities of the Armed Forces.

On August 24, 2023, a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) was held with Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh in the chair. During this meeting, approval was granted for capital acquisition proposals worth approximately Rs 7,800 crore. The primary focus of this decision is to improve the effectiveness of the Indian Air Force. One of the key approvals from the DAC is for the acquisition and installation of an Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite on Mi-17 V5 Helicopters. This procurement falls under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, emphasizing indigenous production. The integration of the EW Suite is expected to significantly enhance the helicopters’ survivability in various operational scenarios.

The responsibility for supplying the EW Suite rests with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a prominent Indian defence electronics company. This move is aligned with efforts to strengthen domestic defence production and technological capabilities. The DAC has also accorded AoN for procurement of Ground-Based Autonomous System for mechanised infantry and armoured regiments which will enable various operations like unmanned surveillance, logistic delivery of ammunition, fuel & spares and casualty evacuation in the battle field.

Proposals for procurement of 7.62×51 mm Light Machine Gun (LMG) and Bridge Laying Tank (BLT) have also been given go ahead by the DAC. While induction of LMG will enhance fighting capabilities of infantry forces, the induction of BLT will result in faster movement of Mechanised Forces. The AoN for procurement of Ruggedised Laptops and Tablets for the Indian Army under Project Shakti has also been accorded. All these procurements will be sourced from Indigenous vendors only.To enhance the operational capability of the MH-60R Helicopters of the Indian Navy, the DAC has accorded AoN for procurement of weapons for the same.