DAC approves capital acquisition proposals worth Rs 52,000 crore to enhance combat readiness of Defence Forces

Why in news

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved capital acquisition proposals for the Defence Forces amounting to approximately Rs 52,000 crore, aimed at bolstering their combat readiness.

Exam relevance

GS3 · Internal Security, Science & Technology, Economy · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for acquisition proposals worth about Rs 52,000 crore.
2. Approvals were granted for the Indian Army.
3. Procurements include Anti-Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) Electronic Warfare System ‘AKASH TARANG’.
4. Procurements include Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) Systems.
5. Procurements include Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) Weapon System.
6. Procurements include Very Short Range Air Defence System (V-SHORADS).
7. Procurements include Active Protection System for Tanks.
8. Procurements include Jet Based Kamikaze Drone System.

Prelims pointers

• The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved proposals worth approximately Rs 52,000 crore.
• The DAC is chaired by the Raksha Mantri.
• Approved procurements for the Indian Army include 'AKASH TARANG' (Anti-UAV Electronic Warfare System).
• Approved procurements include Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) Systems.
• Approved procurements include Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) Weapon System.
• Approved procurements include Very Short Range Air Defence System (V-SHORADS).
• Approved procurements include Active Protection System for Tanks.
• Approved procurements include Jet Based Kamikaze Drone System.

Mains practice question

Discuss the significance of the recent capital acquisition approvals by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) in enhancing the combat readiness and technological edge of the Indian Defence Forces. What are the key systems being procured and their potential impact on national security?

Static linkage

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is the highest decision-making body of the Ministry of Defence for capital procurements. It is chaired by the Raksha Mantri and is responsible for granting Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for defence equipment proposals.

Significance

The approval of these acquisition proposals signifies a significant step towards modernizing the Indian Defence Forces and enhancing their combat capabilities. The induction of advanced systems like anti-UAV systems, advanced missile systems, and kamikaze drones will bolster the Army's ability to counter emerging threats, including mechanised warfare and aerial attacks. This investment is crucial for maintaining strategic deterrence and ensuring national security in a dynamic geopolitical environment.