Centre clears Rs 2.12L-crore procurement proposals

New Delhi: India on Monday cleared defence procurement proposals worth around Rs 2.12 lakh crore, including light multi-role helicopters, long-range kamikaze drones and radars, to bolster the combat capabilities of the armed forces. The proposals were approved by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the Defence Ministry’s highest decision-making body for military procurement, at a meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The DAC accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), or in-principle approval, to capital acquisition proposals worth an estimated Rs 2,12,000 crore, the ministry said.

For the Indian Army, the approvals cover the procurement of high mobility vehicles (HMVs), self-propelled tracked gun systems, gunshot response systems (GSRS), light multi-role helicopters (LMRH), very short-range air defence systems (VSHORADS) and counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), it said. The DAC also cleared the acquisition of other unmanned aerial system, surveillance aerial vehicles, integrated surveillance and strike system and long-range Kamikaze drone system for the Army. While the HMVs are expected to enhance operational capabilities, logistical support and mobility in challenging terrains, the self-propelled tracked gun system will provide mobility and firepower to mechanised formations.

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