New Delhi, Dec 23 (KNN) The defence acquisition council (DAC) in a meeting headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday approved projects worth Rs 84,328 crore, said defence ministry in a statement on Thursday.

DAC, India’s apex procurement body accorded its acceptance of necessity (AoN) for 24 capital acquisition proposals for the three services and the Indian Coast Guard, the ministry informed.

It has approved projects regarding new military hardware, including light tanks, futuristic infantry combat vehicles (FICVs), mounted gun systems, missiles and bombs.

Of these, 21 proposals worth Rs 82,127 crore relate to future procurement from indigenous sources, in what is being seen as a shot in the arm for the country’s self-reliance campaign.

Out of the total proposals, six are for Indian Army, six for Indian Air Force, 10 for Indian Navy and two for Indian Coast Guard.

“This initiative of DAC will not only modernise the armed forces but also provide substantial boost to the defence industry to achieve the goal of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India),” it stated.

Under India’s defence procurement rules, AoN by the council is the first step towards buying military hardware. The army has been pursuing the development of light tanks for mountain warfare and FICVs, amid the lingering 30-month standoff with the Chinese army along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

The light tank is a key capability the army needs to tackle the increased threat that persists along LAC. The army expects the light tank prototype development and trials in three years. It will be packed with cutting-edge technologies, including drone integration, active protection systems and superior situational awareness.

“The AoNs accorded will equip the Indian Army with platforms and equipment such as FICVs, light tanks and mounted gun systems providing a quantum jump to its operational preparedness,” the statement added.

As per reports, several air force and naval projects were also cleared.

The Indian Air Force will be further strengthened with “enhanced lethal capabilities” through the induction of a new missile system, long-range guided bombs and advanced surveillance systems and the naval hardware cleared includes new anti-ship missiles, multi-purpose vessels and high endurance autonomous vehicles that “will further enhance maritime strength.

The Indian government has earmarked Rs 84,598 crore that is 68 per cent of the military’s capital acquisition budget for 2022-23. The allocation for local defence purchases has climbed steadily over the last three years.  (KNN Bureau)