Defence Ministry Clears Rs 1.10 Lakh Crore Procurement for Armed Forces

The Defence Ministry has given its go-ahead to a substantial military procurement package valued at approximately Rs 1.10 lakh crore. The approvals were granted by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in a move aimed at enhancing the operational readiness of India's armed forces.

The council granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), marking the initial stage of the procurement process, for a diverse range of equipment. The list includes advanced light helicopters, radars, mechanical mine layers, and electronic warfare systems, catering to the specific requirements of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

For the Indian Army, the approved acquisitions feature Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) reconnaissance vehicles, designed to detect and monitor areas contaminated by hazardous agents. The package also includes high-mobility vehicles for improved troop movement in challenging terrain, self-propelled mechanical mine layers, and additional advanced light helicopters. Trawl tanks and the Sarvatra bridge system were also cleared to support combat formations during military operations.

The Indian Navy's share of the approvals includes the procurement of Arudhra radars, which are intended to replace existing air-route surveillance radars at naval air stations. Additionally, the DAC cleared the design, development, and procurement of Marine Gas Turbines, a key propulsion system for warships aimed at reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.

The Indian Air Force received approval for projects focused on boosting the combat capability of its fighter aircraft, transport fleets, and helicopters. This includes the acquisition of a Ground-Based Multi-Purpose Jammer system, which is expected to provide effective electronic warfare capabilities against adversary radar networks. The installation of the Defence Forces Secure Access Card system was also approved.

In a significant push for self-reliance, the Defence Ministry stated that nearly 98 per cent of the approved procurements will be sourced from the Indian industry, providing a major boost to indigenous defence manufacturing.