In a significant development for India’s defense forces and the ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat‘ (Self-Reliant India) initiative, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved Capital Acquisition Proposals totaling Rs 2.23 lakh crore. Out of this, Rs 2.20 lakh crore will be directed towards domestic industries, marking a major stride in achieving self-sufficiency.
The DAC gave the green light for the procurement of 97 additional Tejas aircraft and 156 Prachand attack helicopters. The Defense Ministry also sanctioned the acquisition of LCA Mark IA fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF) at a cost of approximately Rs 65,000 crores from Hindustan Aeronautical Limited (HAL).
The proposal includes the procurement of 30 indigenously developed Tejas aircraft, showcasing the commitment to bolstering indigenous projects. Furthermore, a substantial Rs 1.6 lakh crore has been allocated for a significant upgrade of the Sukhoi SU-30 MKI aircraft, reinforcing the emphasis on enhancing indigenous capabilities.
The Defence Ministry emphasized that these acquisitions will not only strengthen the IAF but also elevate the country’s indigenous defense capabilities. Importantly, the move aims to reduce dependence on foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), a crucial step towards self-reliance.
The DAC granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) for the IAF and Indian Army, along with Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk IA for the IAF, all from HAL under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category. This strategic decision aims to boost domestic defense industries while providing formidable strength to the armed forces.
In a parallel development, the DAC approved AoN for the upgradation of Su-30 MKI Aircraft indigenously from HAL. This aligns with the government’s vision to enhance the combat capabilities of existing assets through indigenous projects, with a budget of Rs 1.6 lakh crore allocated for these endeavors.
The Tejas Mk-1A Light Combat Aircraft, a fourth-generation fighter jet, stands out as an indigenously designed and manufactured asset with operational capabilities, including an Active Electronically-Scanned Array (AESA) radar. This emphasizes the nation’s strides in advanced defense technologies.
In a noteworthy update from August, it was reported that the IAF was planning to procure an additional 100 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mark IA fighter jets from HAL. This decision follows HAL’s ongoing work on the previous order of 83 LCA Mark IA jets, with the first batch expected to be handed over to the IAF by February 2024.
The HAL Prachand, an Indian multi-role light attack helicopter, designed and manufactured under Project LCH, is another highlight. This homegrown asset further contributes to India’s defense capabilities and signifies progress in indigenous defense manufacturing.
The DAC also accorded AoN for the procurement of two types of Anti-tank Munitions – Area Denial Munition (ADM) Type-2 and Type-3r, capable of neutralizing tanks, armored personnel carriers, and enemy personnel. This underlines the commitment to modernize and equip the armed forces with cutting-edge technology.
To replace the Indian Field Gun (IFG), which has completed its service life, AoN was granted for the procurement of a state-of-the-art Towed Gun System (TGS). This system is expected to become a mainstay for the Artillery forces of the Indian Army, procured under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category. Additionally, AoN was accorded for ISS mm Nubless projectile for use in 155 mm Artillery guns, enhancing lethality and safety.
In a move to maintain a combative edge, AoN was granted for the procurement and integration of Automatic Target Tracker (ATT) and Digital Basaltic Computer (DBC) for T-90 Tanks under the Buy (India) category. This decision aligns with the focus on modernizing existing assets for enhanced efficiency and capability.
Lastly, the DAC cleared the proposal for the procurement of Medium Range Anti-Ship Missiles (MRAShM) for the surface platform of the Indian Navy under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category. This decision aims to strengthen the naval capabilities and support indigenous defense manufacturing.
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