India Launches 24 Big Ticket Military Procurement Programmes Worth Rs 84,328 Cr
India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on December 22 kickstarted 24 new military procurement programmes worth Rs 84,328 Crore. These big-ticket programmes include acquisition of key war fighting platforms like the Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV), Mounted Gun Systems and Light Tanks for the Army, a new range of missile systems for the IAF and Navy and Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels for the Coast Guard.
The DAC, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) to these 24 military procurements, which officially launches procurement programmes for these requirements. These programmes are expected to mature over the next 10 years or so.
Significantly, 97.4 per cent of these approvals by value are earmarked for Make in India programmes. “It is pertinent to mention that 21 proposals, worth Rs 82,127 crore (97.4%), are approved for procurement from indigenous sources. This unprecedented initiative of DAC will not only modernise the Armed Forces but also provide substantial boost to the defence industry to achieve the goal of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’,” the Ministry of Defence announced.
Of the 24 proposals approved, six each are for the Army and Air Force, 10 for the Navy and two for the Coast Guard.
“The AoNs accorded will equip the Indian Army with platforms and equipment such as Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicles, Light Tanks and Mounted Gun System providing a quantum jump to Indian Army’s operational preparedness. Proposals approved also includes procurement of Ballistic Helmets, with enhanced protection level, for our soldiers.
“Approvals for procurement of Naval Anti-Ship Missiles, Multi-Purpose Vessels and High Endurance Autonomous Vehicles will further enhance maritime strength giving boost to Indian Navy’s capabilities.
“Indian Air Force will be further strengthened with enhanced lethal capabilities by induction of new range of missile system, Long Range Guided Bombs, Range Augmentation Kit for conventional bombs and advanced surveillance systems.
“The procurement of Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels for Indian Coast Guard will enhance surveillance capability in the coastal areas to new heights,” the Ministry of Defence statement detailed.
