The Ministry of Defence has approved the acquisition of military equipment worth Rs 84,560 crore to enhance the overall combat capabilities of the Armed Forces. These proposals, sanctioned by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), encompass a range of items including next-generation anti-tank mines, air defence tactical control radar, medium-range maritime reconnaissance, and multi-mission maritime aircraft.
In a statement, the Defence Ministry announced its approval for the procurement of new aircraft and equipment for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard, aimed at bolstering surveillance capabilities over the country’s extensive maritime zones. The DAC greenlit the procurement of Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance and Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft “to reinforce the monitoring and interception abilities of the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard (ICG).” According to a report by Reuters, the government’s announcement referenced the maritime surveillance variant of the C-295 aircraft manufactured by Airbus, with production planned in Spain and India.
Furthermore, the government has sanctioned the acquisition of a system designed to engage distant and non-visible targets, along with a radar system to enhance air defence against slow, small, and low-flying threats. Additionally, advanced sonar technology will be acquired for naval vessels to detect submarines from long distances, thereby preempting potential threats.
“To augment operational efficiency and dominance in the Tactical Battle Area for engaging Beyond Visual Line of Sight targets by the Mechanised Forces, Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) has been granted for the procurement of Canister Launched Anti-Armour Loiter Munition System,” the ministry stated in its release.
“Moreover, to fortify Air Defence Systems, particularly for detecting slow, small, and low-flying targets, as well as surveillance, detection, and tracking of various targets, AoN has been granted for the procurement of Air Defence Tactical Control Radar under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category,” the release added.
The release also noted that, “to maintain an edge over threats posed by adversaries, Active Towed Array Sonar capable of operating at low frequencies and various depths for long-range detection of submarines have also been procured for Indian Naval Ships.”
