Defence Ministry Approves Procurement Proposals Worth Rs 4,276 Cr

Under the watchful eye of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on Tuesday accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for three capital acquisition proposals, amounting to Rs 4,276 crore. 

All three proposals - two of the Indian Army and one of the Indian Navy - are under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category.

The DAC approved the procurement of HELINA Anti-Tank Guided Missiles, launchers and associated support equipment which will be integrated into the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH). 

“This missile is an essential part of the weaponisation of ALH for countering the enemy threat. Its induction will strengthen the offensive capability of the Indian Army,” the Centre said in a press statement.

The DAC also accorded AoN for procurement of the VSHORAD (IR Homing) missile system under design and development by DRDO. This approval came in view of recent developments along the Northern borders where 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 procurement of VSHORAD, as a robust and quickly deployable system, is expected to strengthen India’s Air Defence capabilities.

Further, the DAC granted approval for the procurement of a Brahmos Launcher and Fire Control System (FCS) for the Shivalik class of ships & Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMVs) for 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's vessels,” the Centre said.