New Delhi. The Central Government has taken a big step towards strengthening the combat capability and operational preparedness of the Indian Armed Forces. The Defense Acquisition Council (DAC), headed by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved defense procurement proposals worth about Rs 1.10 lakh crore for the Army, Navy and Air Force. The proposals include helicopters, radars, CBRN reconnaissance vehicles, mine layers, mobile bridging systems and various modern military equipment.
The indigenous defense industry has been given priority in this procurement process. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said on social media platform X that about 98 percent of the approved budget will be spent on purchases from Indian companies. This is expected to help boost domestic defense manufacturing capacity and reduce dependence on foreign imports.
Helicopters and modern military systems for the Army
Additional procurement of indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv/Rudra for the Army has been approved. These can be used in troop movement, logistics and emergency operations in difficult geographical conditions.
High mobility vehicles will also be purchased for the army, which will be used to deliver military supplies in hilly and inaccessible areas.
Apart from this, CBRN reconnaissance vehicles will be included to deal with chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats. These vehicles will help in identification, surveillance and reconnaissance of potentially hazardous substances and affected areas.
Ability to deal with mines and cross rivers and streams will increase
Procurement of self-propelled mechanical mine layers for the Army has also been approved. Through these systems, landmines can be laid rapidly as per the need.
At the same time, trawl tank system will be included with the aim of creating a safe path for armored vehicles and tanks by removing the mines laid by the enemy.
Mobile bridging system 'Sarvatra' will also be purchased to increase the capacity of heavy army vehicles to cross rivers and drains. This will help in ensuring the movement of military vehicles by rapidly constructing temporary bridges during operations.
Modern radar and indigenous marine gas turbine in Navy
The purchase of many important systems for the Navy has also been approved. Under this, 'Arudhara' radar will be included. There are plans to replace the old air route surveillance radars present at naval air stations with modern systems. This will strengthen air surveillance and air traffic monitoring capability.
Along with this, emphasis has been laid on designing and manufacturing marine gas turbines used in warships in the country. Its objective is to increase the share of indigenous technology in naval systems and reduce foreign dependence.
Air Force's Sukhoi and helicopters will be more capable
Upgrades and systems related to Sukhoi fighter aircraft, helicopters and transport aircraft to enhance the operational capability of the Air Force have also been included in the procurement proposals.
Apart from this, to strengthen the electronic warfare capability, jammers and secure access card system related to secure entry and identification of defense forces will also be included.
Self-reliant defense sector will get a boost
In these defense procurement proposals worth about Rs 1.10 lakh crore, the provision of 98 percent purchase from domestic companies is considered important for India's indigenous defense industry. This is expected to expand the industrial base related to military equipment production, research and development and defense sector in the country.
The government's emphasis is on acquiring modern military technology as well as increasing self-reliance in defense production. The new procurement aims to strengthen the operational preparedness of the three armies and their ability to act rapidly in diverse situations.