DAC Clears Rs 45,000 Crore Worth of Defence Proposals

• 16 Sep 2023

Recently, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved proposals totaling Rs 45,000 crore, encompassing the acquisition of 12 Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft and indigenous Dhruvastra short-range air-to-surface missiles for the Indian Air Force, along with several other platforms and weapon systems for the armed forces.

Key Points:

• Acceptance of Necessity for Su-30 MKI Aircraft: The DAC, headed by the Defence Minister, granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of 12 Su-30 MKI aircraft from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
• Initial Step: AoN marks the initial step in the procurement process, with the grant of AoN not guaranteeing a final order.
• Russian-Origin Aircraft: Su-30 MKI jets, of Russian origin, have a commendable flight safety record.
• Fleet Restoration: The induction of these aircraft will help restore the IAF's Su-30 fleet to planned levels by replacing lost aircraft over the years during training.
• Dhruvastra Indigenous Missiles: DAC also approved AoN for the procurement of Dhruvastra short-range air-to-surface missiles, designed to be fired from the HAL-made Advanced Light Helicopters Mk-IV.
• Dornier Aircraft Avionics: Proposals for avionics upgradation of Dornier aircraft were cleared, which will enhance operational accuracy for the IAF.
• LAMV and ISAT-S: DAC granted AoN for Light Armoured Multipurpose Vehicles (LAMV) and Integrated Surveillance and Targeting System (ISAT-S) to enhance protection, mobility, attack capability, and survivability of the Army’s mechanized forces.
• HMV Gun Towing Vehicles: Procurement proposals for High Mobility Vehicle (HMV) Gun Towing Vehicles for rapid mobilization and deployment of artillery guns and radars for the Army were also approved.
• Next Generation Survey Vessels: The DAC gave the green light for Next Generation Survey Vessels to bolster the Navy's hydrographic operations.
• Defence Acquisition Procedure: All procurements will be made from Indian vendors in accordance with relevant categories of the Defence Acquisition Procedure, governing all capital acquisitions of the ministry.