New Delhi: The defence ministry on Tuesday approved the procurement proposals aimed at modernising the Army’s tank fleet and enhancing air defence capabilities, among other key projects. It was approved during a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by defence minister Rajnath Singh.
The council sanctioned 10 capital acquisition proposals amounting to Rs 1,44,716 crore. Of the total approved expenditure 99% will be sourced from within the country under the “Buy (Indian)” and “Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured)” categories, according to an official statement.
Future-ready combat vehicles centrepiece of approvals
One of the central approvals was for the procurement of Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs), designed to serve as Army’s next-generation Main Battle Tanks. These FRCVs will feature advanced mobility, all-terrain capabilities, multi-layered protection systems, precise and lethal weaponry, and real-time situational awareness among others.
The DAC also approved the acquisition of air defence fire control radars, essential for detecting and tracking aerial threats.
Another crucial approval was given for the procurement of Forward Repair Team (Tracked) units. These vehicles, which have been designed and developed by Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited, offer robust cross-country mobility and are equipped to perform in-situ repairs during mechanised operations. They will be deployed with both mechanised Infantry Battalions and Armoured Regiments.
Enhancing coast guard’s capabilities in maritime surveillance
In a move to further strengthen the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), three proposals were approved, including the procurement of Dornier-228 aircraft, next-generation fast patrol vessels and next-generation offshore patrol vessels. These acquisitions are expected to significantly enhance the ICG’s capabilities in maritime surveillance, patrolling, search-and-rescue operations and disaster response.
In the meeting, Rajnath Singh also paid tribute to the late director general of the Indian Coast Guard, Rakesh Pal, who passed away on August 18 due to a heart attack in Chennai. Singh acknowledged Pal’s significant contributions to the expansion and success of the ICG.