Defence Acquisition Council approves arms purchase worth Rs 2,290 crore

• DAC approves purchase of High-Frequency Tans-receiver sets and Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW) from the domestic manufacturer

• 72,000 SIG SAUER Assault Rifles will be purchased from the USA at a cost of approx Rs 780 crore

New Delhi: (Defence acquisition news) The Defence Acquisition Council meeting held under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath on Monday approved proposals for Capital acquisitions of the various equipment required by the Indian Armed Forces at an approximate cost of Rs 2,290 crore. These include procurement from domestic defence manufacturing industry as well as foreign vendors. The decision is significant in the wake of the crisis with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, three service chiefs General MM Naravane, Admiral Karambir Singh and Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria were present during the DAC meeting along with defence secretary Dr Ajay Kumar (IAS).

DAC also accorded approval for procurement of 72,000 SIG SAUER assault rifles at a cost of approx Rs 780 crore, which are manufactured by a US-based defence manufacturing corp SIG Sauer

Under the Buy Indian (IDDM) category, the DAC approved procurement of Static HF Tans-receiver sets and Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW). The HF radio sets will enable seamless communication for the field units of Army and Air Force and are being procured at an approx cost of Rs 540 crore. The Smart Anti Airfield Weapon being procured at an approx cost of Rs 970 crore will add to the firepower of Navy and Airforce.

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"Further, to equip the frontline troops of the Army the DAC also accorded approval for procurement of 72,000 SIG SAUER assault rifles at a cost of approx Rs 780 crore" said Ministry of Defence in a press release. The SIG Sauer assault rifles are manufactured by a US-based defence manufacturing corp SIG Sauer.

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