The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, cleared eight major defence proposals on Thursday, which are valued at more than Rs 54,000 crore.
Some of these plans are the acquisition of upgraded engines for the Army's T-90 tanks, anti-submarine torpedoes for the Navy, and Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) Aircraft Systems for the Air Force.
One of the key decisions was to sanction the acquisition of a 1350 HP engine to substitute the 1000 HP engine already installed in the T-90 tanks, dramatically enhancing their mobility on the battlefield, particularly at high altitudes. The new engine will boost the power-to-weight ratio, bettering the operational efficiency of the tank.
For the Navy, the DAC approved the acquisition of the indigenously manufactured Varunastra Torpedoes, which are ship-based anti-submarine weapons. The purchase of more torpedoes will enhance the Navy's capability to respond to submarine threats from enemies.
The Air Force too will gain from the purchase of Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) Aircraft Systems, which are vital for improving situational awareness, intelligence gathering, and combat capability.
As part of the 'Year of Reforms' program, the DAC also sanctioned guidelines to rationalize the Capital Acquisition Process for defence services with a view to shortening timelines and enhancing efficiency in defence procurement. This is in consonance with the government's objective of enhancing self-reliance in defence production, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat program.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was confident that India's defence production, which touched a record Rs 1.27 lakh crore in 2023-24, would cross Rs 1.60 lakh crore by 2025-26. Defence exports, which touched a record Rs 21,000 crore, are also likely to cross Rs 30,000 crore in the next few years.
Moreover, during the day, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cleared the purchase of the India-developed Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) valued almost Rs 7,000 crore, further enhancing the nation's indigenous capability in defence technology.
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