The Defence Acquisition Council, led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Tuesday approved the Acceptance of Necessity for three acquisition proposals worth Rs 4,276 crore. The move is expected to bolster the combat capabilities of the armed forces along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
The proposals, two of the Army and one of the Navy, are under the 'Buy (Indian-IDDM)' category, the Defence Ministry said in a statement issued after a DAC meeting in Delhi.
“The DAC accorded AoN for procurement of HELINA Anti-Tank Guided Missiles, launchers and associated support equipment which will be integrated to the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH),” the ministry said, adding that the missile is an essential part of weaponisation of ALH for countering enemy threat.
“Its induction will strengthen the offensive capability of Indian Army,” it said.
The DAC also accorded AoN for procurement of VSHORAD missile system under design and development by DRDO. “In view of the recent developments along the Northern borders there is a need to focus on effective Air Defence (AD) weapon systems which are man portable and can be deployed quickly in rugged terrain and maritime domain,” the ministry said.
“Procurement of VSHORAD, as a robust and quickly deployable system, will strengthen the Air Defence capabilities,” it further said.
The third proposal approved by the DAC was for the procurement of Brahmos Launcher and Fire Control System (FCS) for the Shivalik class of ships and Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMVs) for the Indian Navy.
“With their induction, these ships would have enhanced capability of carrying out maritime strike operations, interdicting and destroying enemy’s warships and merchant vessels,” the ministry said.
