Defence Acquisition Council 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.