In Rs 79,000-cr boost, Indian defence forces to get advanced missile systems, warships and drone tech

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday approved proposals worth Rs 79,000 crore for the procurement of advanced missile systems, vehicles, torpedoes, drones, and warships for the Indian armed forces. Most of these platforms are made in India.

For the Indian Army, the DAC accorded the acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement:

• Nag missile system (Tracked) Mk-II (NAMIS),

• Ground-based mobile ELINT System (GBMES), and

• High mobility vehicles (HMVs) with material handling crane

The procurement of this particular variant of Nag missile system will enhance the Indian Army’s capability of neutralising enemy’s combat vehicles, bunkers, and other field fortifications whereas GBMES electronic intelligence mobile system will provide round-the-clock electronic intelligence of enemy emitters, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

The induction of HMVs will significantly improve logistic support to the forces in diverse geographical terrains, the statement further said.

For the Indian Navy, the DAC granted approval for the procurement of:

• Landing Platform Docks (LPD),

• 30mm Naval Surface Gun (NSG),

• Advanced Light Weight Torpedoes (ALWT),

• Electro Optical Infra-Red Search and Track System, and

• Smart Ammunition for 76mm Super Rapid Gun Mount

After the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, the construction of these LPDs will be the most ambitious indigenous warships-related project, according to The Tribune.

These LPDs will be powered by electric propulsion systems developed in collaboration with the United Kingdom, offering stealthier, more efficient, and cost-effective operations, the newspaper reported.

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Separately, the MoD said that the procurement of these LPDs will help the Indian Navy to undertake amphibious operations along with Indian Army and Indian Air Force. And it further said that the integrated sea capability provided by LPDs will also help the Indian Navy to undertake peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

The MoD added, “The induction of ALWT, which is indigenously developed by Naval Science & Technological Laboratory, DRDO, is capable of targeting conventional, nuclear, and midget submarines. The procurement of 30mm NSG will enhance the capability of Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard to conduct low intensity maritime operations, and anti-piracy roles.”

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For the Indian Air Force, the DAC accorded the AoN for Collaborative Long Range Target Saturation/Destruction System (CLRTS/DS) and other proposals.

The CLRTS/DS has the capability of autonomous take-off, landing, navigating, detecting, and delivering payload in the mission area, the MoD said.