Defence Ministry clears 10 capital acquisition proposals worth Rs 1.45 lakh crore

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Tuesday gave the nod for 10 capital acquisition proposals amounting to Rs 1,44,716 crore. Of the total cost of the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), 99 per cent was from indigenous sources under the categories of 'Buy (Indian)' and 'Buy (lndian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured)', according to an official statement.

The proposals included the procurement of Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs) for the mordernisation of the Indian Army's tank fleet. The FRCV will be a futuristic Main Battle Tank with superior mobility, all terrain ability, multilayered protections, precision and lethal fires, and real-time situational awareness, the ministry said.

They also included the procurement of Air Defence Fire Control Radars that will detect and track aerial target and provide firing solutions.

Among the proposals cleared by the ministry was one for Forward Repair Team (Tracked) with suitable cross-country mobility for carrying out "in-situ repair during mechanised operations", it noted.

"This equipment is designed & developed by Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited, and is authorised for both mechanised Infantry Battalion and Armoured Regiment," the ministry said.

Three AoNs were approved to enhance the capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).

"The procurement of Dornier-228 aircraft, Next Generation Fast Patrol Vessels having high operational features in rough weather conditions and Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels with advanced technology and enhanced long-range operations, will enhance the capability of ICG to carry out surveillance, patrolling of maritime zone, search & rescue and disaster relief operations," the Defence Ministry said. 

Towards the end of the meeting, the Defence Minister took a moment to honour the Late Indian Coast Guard (ICG) DG Rakesh Pal, who was also a member of DAC.

"The DG passed away due to a heart attack in Chennai on August 18, 2024," the ministry said.

Singh highlighted DG Pal’s remarkable contributions to the growth and expansion of the ICG.

The minister conveyed heartfelt condolences, prayers and unwavering support on behalf of the Ministry of Defence to the bereaved family.

"In a solemn tribute, all members of DAC then stood up to observe a moment of silence, paying their respects to late DG Rakesh Pal whose legacy will continue to inspire," the ministry said.