New Delhi: (Defence News) Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) Tuesday held a meeting under the Chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and approved capital acquisitions of various platforms and equipment required by the Indian Armed Forces. Defence procurement proposals to the tune of Rs 8,722.38 crore were approved by the DAC. "To strengthen the Armed Forces by relying on indigenous capability to take forward the initiative on 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' the DAC accorded approval to the proposals for an approximate cost of Rs 8,722.38 crore" a press statement issued by the Ministry of Defence mentioned.
With Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) having successfully developed Basic Trainer Aircraft (HTT-40) Prototypes and certification process underway, the DAC approved procurement of 106 Basic Trainer Aircraft from HAL to address the basic training requirements of the Indian Air Force (IAF). Post Certification 70 Basic Trainer Aircraft will be initially procured from HAL and balance 36 after operationalisation of HTT-40 fleet in IAF.
To improve the firepower of Indian Navy, the DAC approved procurement of an upgraded version of Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM) which is fitted as the main gun on board Navy and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) warships from Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL). The upgraded version of SRGM has enhanced capability to perform against fast manoeuvring targets like missiles and Fast Attack Crafts and increase the maximum engagement range.
In view of the availability of requisite capability for indigenous development of the ammunition, both in terms of 'Manufacturing' and 'Technology', the DAC approved procurement of 125 mm APFSDS (Armour Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot) ammunition for Indian Army as a 'Design and Development Case'. The ammunition being procured will have a 70 per cent indigenous content.
The DAC also gave approvals that are likely to speed up the procurement of AK 203 and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle upgrades.
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