Government clears key defence plans

New Delhi: In keeping with government’s declared policy, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on Friday okayed defence requirements with an eye to promote indigenisation.

In all, four acceptance of necessity (AON) proposals were approved, including procurement of 1,500 indigenously designed and developed modernised nuclear, biological and chemical protection systems for fitment in the Army’s infantry combat vehicles for Rs 1,265 crore.

“Infantry combat vehicle till now were equipped with nuclear, biological and chemical protection systems that had to be manually operated. These new automated systems would be equipped with sensors for the strike forces,” said a source familiar with the move.

Bharat Electrical Limited (BEL) will be making these systems. The Indian Army’s strike formations operate the Russian-origin Boyevaya Mashina Pekhoty or BMP infantry combat vehicle for swift insertion of combat soldiers to the battle zone.

For the Indian Air Force, the defence ministry has approved another heavy transport C-17 Globemaster aircraft to further enhance the strategic airlift capabilities. India already operates 10 C-17 Globemasters that it had procured from the US in June 2011 for Rs 18,646 crore.

Valued at Rs 419 crore, 55 three-dimensional low level lightweight radars (LLLR) have been approved for the Army and the IAF. These DRDO-designed radars will be manufactured by BEL. The existing LLLRs have got only two-dimensional capability. “These radars will now be able to locate the altitude of objects for our air defence regiments,” the source said.

Another proposal that has been given the green light is the buying of six multi-mission maritime aircraft for the Indian Coast Guard for Rs 5,500 crore which will enhance the maritime surveillance capability of the force. The aircraft will be equipped with mission suites that will be designed and developed by DRDO.

Chaired by defence minister Manohar Parrikar, the DAC meeting was also attended by the Army Chief, IAF chief and the vice-chief of the Navy as the Navy Chief is away on an official visit to Japan. Incidentally, this is the last DAC meeting for the Army Chief Gen. Dalbir Singh and IAF chief Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, both of whom will retire on December 31.