India clears ₹79,000 cr arms buys for three services to boost firepower and readiness

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, met today and approved multiple procurement proposals for the army, navy and air force, the government said in a statement.

Indian Army

The DAC granted ‘Acceptance of Necessity (AoN)’ to procure the tracked Nag missile system (Mk-II NAMIS).

It also approved ground-based mobile ELINT systems (GBMES) and high-mobility vehicles fitted with cranes, among other items.

The tracked NAMIS will boost the army’s capacity to neutralise enemy armoured vehicles, bunkers and field fortifications. GBMES will provide round-the-clock electronic intelligence on enemy emitters for tactical use, while the high-mobility vehicles will enhance logistics support across varied terrain.

Indian Navy

The navy’s approvals include landing platform docks (LPD), 30 mm naval surface guns, advanced lightweight torpedoes, electro-optical infrared search-and-track systems, and smart ammunition for the 76 mm super rapid gun mount.

The LPDs will aid joint amphibious assault operations with the army and air force, and can be deployed for peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

The advanced lightweight torpedo — developed by DRDO’s Naval Science and Technological Laboratory — can engage conventional, nuclear and midget submarines.

The 30 mm naval guns will strengthen the navy’s and the Coast Guard’s ability to conduct low-intensity maritime and anti-piracy missions.

Indian Air Force

For the Air Force, the DAC cleared the Collaborative Long Range Target Saturation/Destruction System (CLRTS/DS) along with other proposals.

The CLRTS/DS is capable of autonomous takeoff, landing, navigation, target detection and payload delivery in mission areas, the statement said.