Defence Acquisition Council nod for purchase of weapons worth ₹22,800 cr

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by home minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday (November 28) gave its nod for procurement of weapons worth ₹22,800 crore.

To boost the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the DAC okayed indigenous design, development and manufacturing of ‘thermal imaging Night Sights’ for assault rifles. These sights will be manufactured by the Indian private industry.

Also read: 24% defence outlay set for buying modern weapons

As a follow up of the successful indigenous Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) programme, the DAC gave a go ahead for the procurement of additional Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) India aircraft.

The mission system and sub-systems for these aircraft would be indigenously designed, developed and integrated onto the main platform by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The DAC also approved procurement of medium range anti-submarine warfare P8 I aircraft for the Navy. These aircraft would strengthen Navy’s capabilities for maritime coastal surveillance, anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface vessel (ASV) strike.

Also read: Adani Group bids for ₹45,000-crore Navy submarine project

The council also approved procurement of twin engine heavy helicopters (TEHH) for the Indian Coast Guard. These aircraft would enable the Coast Guard to undertake missions to prevent maritime terrorism, infiltration of terrorists by sea routes as well as search and rescue operations.