India Approves Rs 79,000 Crore Defence Procurement Plan to Enhance Military Capabilities

The Indian Navy's acquisition plans include landing platform docks for conducting joint operations with other military branches.

New Delhi:

India has approved the acquisition of military hardware valued at Rs 79,000 crore to enhance the capabilities of its three armed services. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, convened today and sanctioned several procurement proposals for the air force, navy, and army.

Army

The DAC granted 'Acceptance of Necessity (AoN)' status to the procurement of the Nag missile system on tracks, designated as Mk-II NAMIS. Additionally, ground-based mobile ELINT systems (GBMES) and high-mobility vehicles equipped with cranes were approved for acquisition, according to the government statement released after the meeting.

The tracked NAMIS will enhance the army's capability to neutralize enemy combat vehicles, bunkers, and field fortifications. GBMES will provide round-the-clock electronic intelligence regarding enemy emitters and gather tactical information through surveillance.

The high-mobility vehicles will substantially improve logistical support for forces operating in varied terrains, the statement indicated.

Navy

The naval procurement list comprises landing platform docks (LPD), 30 mm naval surface guns, advanced lightweight torpedoes, electro-optical infrared search and track systems, and smart ammunition for 76 mm super rapid gun mounts.

The landing platform docks will be instrumental for the Indian Navy in executing joint amphibious assault operations with the army and air force. These platforms can also be deployed for peacekeeping missions, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief operations.

The advanced lightweight torpedo is an indigenously developed system by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), designed to target conventional, nuclear, and midget submarines.

The 30 mm naval surface guns will strengthen the capabilities of the navy and Indian Coast Guard in conducting low-intensity maritime and anti-piracy operations, as stated in the government release.

Air Force

For the air force, the DAC authorized the Collaborative Long Range Target Saturation/Destruction System (CLRTS/DS) along with other proposals. This system possesses the capability to autonomously take off, land, navigate, detect threats, and deliver payloads in designated mission areas, according to the statement.