DAC Gives Its Nod for Defence Purchases Worth ₹79,000 Crore

Context:

• The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved capital acquisition proposals worth approximately ₹79,000 crore to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

• The approvals align with India’s goals of modernisation of armed forces, indigenisation, and enhanced internal and external security preparedness.

Key Highlights:

Overall Approval:

• ₹79,000 crore worth defence procurement cleared under the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) stage.

• Covers advanced weapon systems, surveillance platforms, communication equipment, and training infrastructure.

Indian Army Acquisitions:

• Loiter Munition Systems:

  • Enable precision strikes against high-value tactical targets.

• Low Level Light Weight Radars (LLLWR):

  • Improve detection and tracking of small, low-flying drones and UAVs.

• Long Range Guided Rocket Ammunition for Pinaka MRLS:

  • Enhances range, accuracy, and lethality of the indigenous Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher.

• Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDD&IS) Mk-II:

  • Protects vital installations in tactical areas and the hinterland from drone threats.

Indian Navy Acquisitions:

• Bollard Pull (BP) Tugs:

  • Assist naval ships and submarines during berthing and manoeuvring in confined harbour areas.

• High Frequency Software Defined Radio (HF SDR) Manpack Systems:

  • Enable secure, long-range communication during naval boarding and landing operations.

• High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) RPAS (Leasing):

  • Provide persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

  • Strengthen Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).

Indian Air Force Acquisitions:

• Automatic Take-off and Landing Recording System:

  • Improves aerospace safety through high-definition, all-weather recording.

• Astra Mk-II Missiles:

  • Boost beyond-visual-range (BVR) air combat capability of fighter aircraft.

• Full Mission Simulator for LCA Tejas:

  • Enhances pilot training efficiency in a cost-effective and safe environment.

• SPICE-1000 Guidance Kits:

  • Improve long-range precision strike capability of the IAF.

Strategic Significance:

• Strengthens multi-domain combat readiness — land, air, and sea.

• Enhances counter-drone capabilities, ISR, and precision strike options.

• Reinforces India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

Relevant Prelims Points:

• Defence Acquisition Council (DAC): Apex body for defence capital procurement decisions.

• Acceptance of Necessity (AoN): First formal approval stage in defence procurement.

• HALE RPAS: High-altitude, long-endurance unmanned systems for ISR.

• Maritime Domain Awareness: Awareness of activities impacting maritime security and economy.

• Issue: Need for modern, indigenous, and network-centric defence systems.

• Impact:

  • Enhanced national security

  • Improved surveillance and strike capabilities

  • Reduced import dependence

Relevant Mains Points:

• Facts & Provisions:

  • AoN approval of ₹79,000 crore covers Army, Navy, and Air Force requirements.

• Conceptual Clarity:

  • Modern warfare increasingly relies on precision, drones, ISR, and networked systems.

• Concerns:

  • Timely execution of contracts

  • Absorption of advanced technologies

• Way Forward:

  • Fast-track procurement and induction

  • Promote domestic defence industry participation

  • Integrate new systems with existing command-and-control structures

UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):

• GS 3: Internal Security, Defence Technology, Military Modernisation

• GS 2: Governance, Defence Institutions

• Prelims: DAC, AoN, HALE RPAS, Astra missiles