New Delhi: Five capital acquisition proposals worth over Rs 21,772 crore were accorded acceptance of necessity (AoN) by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on December 3, 2024.
Underscoring the government’s commitment to strengthening defence infrastructure, these acquisitions are aimed at enhancing India’s naval and coastal security capabilities. Approvals include ships for the Indian Navy, helicopters for the Indian Coast Guard, and an electronic warfare system for Indian Air Force jets, along with upgrades to tanks, vehicles, and aircraft engines.
The DAC approval includes procurement of 31 new water jet fast attack crafts (NWJFACs) for the Indian Navy. According to the ministry of defence, these are designed to perform tasks, such as low-intensity maritime operations (LIMO), surveillance, patrol, and search and rescue operations close to the coast. In addition, these vessels will play an effective role in anti-piracy missions, particularly in and around India’s island territories. Equipped with Hamilton Water Jets, the NWJFACs will be able to intercept fast-moving surface craft and support anti-smuggling, fishery protection, and rapid-response operations. The ships are likely to be built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), ensuring indigenous capabilities.
The procurement of 120 fast interceptor crafts was also accorded AoN by the DAC. These vessels are capable of performing multiple roles, including escorting high-value units such as aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates, and submarines for coastal defence, added the MoD.
The Defence Acquisition Council also approved the procurement of an electronic warfare suite, comprising external airborne self-protection jammer pods, next-generation radar warning receivers, and associated equipment, for the IAF s Su-30 MKI aircraft.
This system will enhance the operational capabilities of the Su-30 MKI and protect it from enemy radars and related weapon systems while carrying out missions against enemy targets protected by air defence systems, said the MoD.
In addition, the approval for the procurement of six advanced light helicopter Mk-IIIs (maritime role) for the coast guard to strengthen coastal security and surveillance in coastal areas was also made.
The DAC approval was also granted for the overhaul of the Indian Army s T-72 and T-90 tanks, BMP infantry fighting vehicles, and engines of Sukhoi fighter aircraft, which will enhance the service life of these assets.
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