In a significant move aimed at bolstering its defence capabilities and furthering the agenda of self-reliance in defence manufacturing, India has greenlit several crucial proposals totaling ₹84,560 crore. These projects, approved by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) under the leadership of Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, encompass a diverse range of acquisitions essential for enhancing the operational readiness of the country’s armed forces and coast guard.
The approved projects include the acquisition of additional mid-air refuellers, medium-range maritime reconnaissance and multi-mission aircraft, heavy-weight torpedoes, and next-generation anti-tank mines. These acquisitions are poised to address various challenges across land, sea, and air domains, augmenting the capabilities of the Indian military to effectively respond to evolving threats.
Of particular note is the clearance for the procurement of six mid-air refuellers, a crucial asset for extending the operational range of the Indian Air Force’s fighter jets. This decision comes in light of the urgent need to bolster the existing fleet of Russian-origin Ilyushin-78 tankers, which have been plagued by maintenance issues. The approval underscores India’s commitment to enhancing its aerial refuelling capabilities, vital for sustaining extended military operations.
Furthermore, the DAC’s nod for 15 new C-295 aircraft in a maritime configuration is a significant milestone, particularly for the Navy and Coast Guard. These aircraft will contribute substantially to maritime surveillance and transport operations, strengthening India’s maritime security posture. The decision reinforces the nation’s resolve to modernize its transport fleet and promote indigenous manufacturing, with a significant portion of the aircraft to be assembled domestically.
In line with the government’s emphasis on self-reliance in defence production, the DAC has accorded acceptance of necessity (AoN) for the procurement of new generation anti-tank mines under the ‘Buy (Indian-IDDM)’ category. This move underscores India’s commitment to promoting indigenous design, development, and manufacturing of critical defence equipment, fostering technological innovation and self-sufficiency in the defence sector.
Additionally, the approval for air defence tactical control radars, advanced sonar systems, and heavy-weight torpedoes highlights India’s concerted efforts to enhance its maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. These acquisitions signify a strategic investment in cutting-edge technology to counter emerging threats in both conventional and asymmetric warfare scenarios.
India’s renewed focus on indigenous defence manufacturing, underscored by measures such as import bans, increased foreign direct investment, and dedicated budgets for domestic procurement, reflects a paradigm shift towards self-reliance in defence production. With a substantial allocation of funds towards indigenous procurement in the defence budget, India is poised to accelerate its journey towards achieving strategic autonomy and bolstering its national security posture in the dynamic geopolitical landscape.
Sources By Agencies
