Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: In a significant move to enhance India’s defense capabilities, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved capital acquisition proposals worth ₹54,000 crore on Thursday. These acquisitions include Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) systems, torpedoes, and upgraded engines for T-90 tanks.
Major Acquisitions Approved
The DAC granted Acceptances of Necessity (AoNs) for eight capital acquisition proposals aimed at strengthening the Indian Air Force (IAF), Indian Army, and Indian Navy.
• For the Indian Air Force (IAF): Approval was granted for the procurement of AEW&C Aircraft Systems, which are critical for enhancing aerial surveillance and combat effectiveness. These systems significantly boost battlefield awareness and response capabilities.
• For the Indian Army: The council approved the procurement of 1,350-HP engines to replace the existing 1,000-HP engines in T-90 battle tanks, improving mobility and combat efficiency, especially in high-altitude terrains.
• For the Indian Navy: Approval was given for the procurement of Varunastra torpedoes, an indigenously-developed anti-submarine weapon. The advanced torpedo, developed by Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, will bolster India’s maritime defense against submarine threats.
Faster Procurement Process Introduced
In addition to these approvals, the DAC introduced new guidelines aimed at reducing the timelines at various stages of capital acquisitions to make the procurement process faster and more efficient. This initiative aligns with the defense ministry’s decision to celebrate 2025 as the “Year of Reforms” to improve India’s military preparedness.
Strengthening India’s Defense Strategy
The latest approvals reflect India’s continued push for military modernization and indigenous defense production. The acquisition of advanced AEW&C systems, upgraded tank engines, and anti-submarine torpedoes will significantly enhance India’s combat capabilities across land, air, and sea.
