In a decisive move to reinforce national security and accelerate military modernisation, India has cleared capital defence acquisitions worth approximately ₹79,000 crore. The approvals were granted by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, underscoring the government’s commitment to strengthening combat readiness across the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The comprehensive acquisition programme encompasses an array of advanced weapon systems, surveillance assets, unmanned platforms, and force multipliers, aimed at addressing evolving threat scenarios and enhancing deterrence across land, maritime, and aerial theatres.
Army Prioritises Precision Strike, Surveillance, and Counter-Drone Warfare
For the Indian Army, the DAC has accorded approval for the induction of loitering munition systems, significantly augmenting its ability to execute precision engagements against time-sensitive and high-value tactical targets. Complementing this capability, the Army will acquire low-level lightweight radars engineered to detect and track small, low-altitude unmanned aerial systems, a growing challenge in contemporary battlefields.
Further bolstering its long-range strike envelope, the Army will procure extended-range guided rocket ammunition for the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system, enhancing both accuracy and lethality against adversary assets. Additionally, the next-generation Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (Mk-II) has been cleared for induction, providing a robust layered defence against hostile drone incursions in frontline combat zones as well as critical hinterland installations.
Naval and Air Power Receive Strategic Capability Upgrades
The Indian Navy is set to enhance its secure communication architecture with the procurement of high-frequency software-defined radios (HF SDR) in manpack configuration, enabling resilient and encrypted connectivity in diverse operational environments. The DAC has also approved the leasing of high-altitude, long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft systems (HALE RPAS), a move that will substantially strengthen persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance coverage across the Indian Ocean Region.
The Indian Air Force will gain significant operational and training advantages through approvals for Astra Mk-II beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, enabling fighter aircraft to engage hostile targets at extended stand-off distances. Additional clearances include SPICE-1000 precision-guided munition kits, a full mission simulator for the Tejas light combat aircraft, and an automated take-off and landing recording system. Collectively, these inductions are expected to enhance pilot proficiency, improve flight safety, and sharpen the Air Force’s long-range precision strike capabilities.
BY: Nirosha Gupta
No comments:
Post a Comment