GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 17th Feb. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, has granted approval for Acceptance of Necessity (AoNs) for various capital acquisition proposals totaling Rs 84,560 crore. Emphasizing the principle of ‘Aatmanirbharta’ (self-reliance), the approvals, granted on February 16, 2024, prioritize procurement from Indian vendors.
Under the Buy {Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured (IDDM)} category, the DAC has approved AoN for the procurement of a new generation of Anti-tank mines with seismic sensor and remote deactivation capabilities, along with additional safety features.
Additionally, AoN has been granted for the procurement of Canister Launched Anti-Armour Loiter Munition System to enhance operational efficiency and domination in the Tactical Battle Area for engaging targets Beyond Visual Line of Sight by the Mechanised Forces.
To bolster Air Defence Systems, particularly in detecting slow, small, and low-flying targets, as well as surveillance, detection & tracking of different targets, AoN has been accorded for the procurement of Air Defence Tactical Control Radar under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category.
Furthermore, to strengthen the surveillance and interdiction capabilities of the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) over the vast maritime area, AoN has been granted for the procurement of Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance and Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft through Buy and Make category.
In a bid to enhance the Indian Naval Ships’ capabilities against adversary submarines, AoN has been accorded for the procurement of Active Towed Array Sonar and Heavy Weight Torpedoes.
Other approvals include sustainment support for MH60R aircraft under the Foreign Military Sale route with the US Government, procurement of Flight Refueller Aircraft for the Indian Air Force, and Software Defined Radios for the ICG.
Moreover, amendments in the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 have been approved, aiming to create a friendly defence start-up ecosystem and promote procurement of advanced technologies from start-ups and MSMEs developed under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and Technology Development Fund schemes.
These amendments will provide incentives and a supportive business environment for start-ups and MSMEs, aligning with the spirit of ‘Ease of Doing Business.’
