On August 11, 2020, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) in its meeting held under the Chairmanship of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh approved the capital acquisitions of various platforms and equipment for an approximate cost of Rs 8,722.38 crore. This decision has been taken on the lines of the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” under which equipment for armed forces will be developed indigenously.
Approvals by DAC:
–Procurement of 106 Basic Trainer Aircraft (HTT-40) from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for basic training requirements of the Indian Air Force (IAF). Post Certification 70 Basic Trainer Aircraft will be initially procured from HAL and balance 36 after operationalisation of HTT-40 fleet in IAF.
— Procurement of an upgraded version of Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM) which is fitted as the main gun onboard Navy and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) warships from Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) to improve the fire power of Indian Navy. The upgraded version of SRGM has enhanced capability to perform against fast manoeuvring targets like missiles and Fast Attack Crafts.
–Procurement of 125 mm APFSDS (Armour Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot) ammunition for Indian Army as a ‘Design and Development Case’. This ammunition will have a 70% indigenous content.
–The DAC also gave approvals that are likely to speed up the procurement of AK 203 and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle upgrades.
Recent Related News:
On 15th July 2020, DAC granted special financial power to the armed forces to make emergency purchases of armed weapons worth upto Rs.300 crores to meet the emerging operational requirement.
About Defence Acquisition Council (DAC):
Parent Ministry– Ministry of Defence (MoD)
Chairman– Defence Minister (Current-Rajnath Singh)
