Mission ‘Maha’ Bharat: Centre clears defence proposals worth Rs 79,000 crore, for further muscularisation of Indian armed forces

New Delhi: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), under the chairmanship of the Defence Minister, recently approved various proposals of the services amounting to a total of about Rs 79,000 crore.

For the Indian Army, Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) was accorded for the procurement of Nag Missile System (Tracked) Mk-II (NAMIS), Ground Based Mobile ELINT System (GBMES) and High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs) with Material Handling Crane.

The procurement of NAMIS (Tracked) will enhance the Indian Army’s capability of neutralising enemy combat vehicles, bunkers and other field fortifications, while GBMES will provide round-the-clock Electronic Intelligence of enemy emitters.

The induction of HMVs will significantly improve logistical support to the forces in diverse geographical terrains.

For the Indian Navy, AoN was granted for the procurement of Landing Platform Docks (LPD), 30mm Naval Surface Gun (NSG), Advanced Light Weight Torpedoes (ALWT), Electro Optical Infra-Red Search and Track System and Smart Ammunition for 76mm Super Rapid Gun Mount.

The procurement of LPDs will help the Indian Navy undertake amphibious operations along with Indian Army and Indian Air Force.

The integrated sea capability provided by LPD will also help the Indian Navy undertake peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief among other operations.

The induction of ALWT, which is indigenously developed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, DRDO, can target conventional, nuclear and midget submarines.

The procurement of 30mm NSG will enhance the capability of the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard to conduct Low Intensity Maritime Operations and anti-piracy roles.

For the Indian Air Force, AoN has been accorded for Collaborative Long Range Target Saturation and Destruction System (CLRTS/DS) among other proposals. The CLRTS/DS has the capability of autonomous take-off, landing, navigating, detecting and delivering payload in mission areas.