The government on Tuesday cleared arms procurement proposals of the armed forces worth Rs 28,732 crore, including Swarm drones, bulletproof jackets and carbines.
The proposals were approved in the meeting of the Defense Acquisition Council chaired by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh.
The Defense Ministry said in a statement, “In this meeting, the DAC accorded Requirement of Approval (AON) to the Armed Forces Capital Acquisition Proposals for an amount of Rs 28,732 crore under Buy (Indian IDDM) and Buy (Indian) categories. To further promote ‘self-reliance’ in the defence sector.”
“Keeping in mind the demand for enhanced security for our troops deployed along the Line of Control against the threat of enemy snipers, and in close combat operations in counter-insurgency scenarios, the DAC has equipped the Indian Standard BIS VI level security with bulletproof equipment.” AON approved the jacket, the statement said.
“To counter the existing complex paradigm of counter-terrorism and conventional and hybrid warfare along the LAC and Eastern borders, the AON to include approx. 4 lakh Close Quarter Battle Carbines have also been delivered for services by the DAC.
“It is set to provide a major impetus to the small arms manufacturing industry in India and increase self-reliance in small arms,” the statement said.
“In recent conflicts around the world, drone technology proved to be a force multiplier in military operations. Accordingly, to enhance the capability of the Indian Army in modern warfare, autonomous surveillance and procurement of armed drone Swarms, AON has been awarded by DAC under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category,” it said.
“DAC also approved Navy’s proposal for procurement of an advanced 1250 kW capacity marine gas turbine generator for power generation application on Kolkata class ships through Indian Industry. This will give a big boost to indigenous manufacturing of gas turbine generators.”
“To enhance security in the coastal region of our country, the DAC also approved the proposal for procurement of 14 fast patrol vessels for the Indian Coast Guard under BY (Indian-IDDM) with 60% IC.”
