Defence Ministry Approves New Tanks, Ships And Radars Worth Rs 1.45 Lakh Crore; Here Is A Rundown

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, yesterday (3 August) approved the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for equipment worth Rs 1.45 lakh crore.

A total of 10 capital acquisitions were approved by the DAC, in which 99 percent of the equipment will be bought from either the Buy (Indian) or Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured) categories.

Here is a list of the approved equipment:

(1) Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCV)

FRCV is a new generation future tank that will start induction into the army in the 2030s, replacing the decades-old T-72 tanks. Approximately 1,770 tanks will be manufactured, featuring several advanced technologies to make them future-proof.

(2) Forward Repair Team for the Army

A proposal has also been approved for the Forward Repair Team (Tracked), which has suitable cross-country mobility for carrying out in-situ repairs during mechanised operations. It is designed and developed by Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL) and will be used by both the Mechanised Infantry Battalion and Armoured Regiment.

(3) Air Defence Fire Control Radars

New generation air defence fire control radars were also approved. They will detect and track aerial targets and provide firing solutions against intruding enemy fighter jets and helicopters.

(4) Ships and Maritime Patrol Aircraft for the Indian Coast Guard

Three AoNs have been accorded to enhance the capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).

This includes the procurement of Dornier-228 aircraft, Next Generation Fast Patrol Vessels with high operational capabilities in rough weather conditions, and Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels with advanced technology and enhanced long-range operations. These will enhance the ICG's capability to conduct surveillance, patrol the maritime zone, and carry out search & rescue and disaster relief operations.