Army To Get Made-In-India HELINA Anti-Tank Missile, VSHORAD Missile System; DAC Gives Go Ahead Citing Tensions With China

The Defence Acquisition Council, led by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, approved the Acceptance of Necessity for three capital acquisition proposals totalling Rs 4,276 crore today (10 January).

All three proposals, two for the Indian Army and one for the Indian Navy, fall under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, a statement put out by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) after the meeting said.

One of the proposals approved by the DAC is the procurement of HELINA Anti-Tank Guided Missiles, launchers, and associated support equipment to be integrated with the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH). This missile, the MoD says, will be an essential component in the weaponization of the ALH and will enhance the Army's offensive capabilities.

Another proposal approved by the DAC is the procurement of the VSHORAD (IR Homing) missile system, which is currently under design and development by the Defence Research and Development Organization.

With recent developments along the Northern borders, there is a growing need for effective and portable air defence weapon systems that can be quickly deployed in rugged terrain and maritime environments, it added.

The VSHORAD missile system, as a robust and quickly deployable system, will strengthen India's air defence capabilities.

Finally, the DAC granted approval 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.

The induction of these systems will enhance the capability of these ships to carry out maritime strike operations and intercept and destroy enemy ships and merchant vessels, the statement said.