New Delhi: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for three capital acquisitions totalling about Rs 4,276 crore of which two are for the Army and one for the Navy under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category.

The DAC approved the procurement of HELINA Anti-Tank Guided Missiles, launchers and associated support equipment which will be integrated to the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH).

“This missile is an essential part of weaponisation of ALH for countering enemy threat. Its induction will strengthen the offensive capability of Indian Army,” said an official release after the meeting.

The DAC also accorded AoN for procurement of VSHORAD (IR Homing) missile system under design and development by DRDO. This approval came in  view of recent developments along the Northern borders where there is a need to focus on effective Air Defence (AD) weapon systems which are man portable and can be deployed quickly in rugged terrain and maritime domain. Procurement of VSHORAD, as a robust and quickly deployable system, is expected to strengthen India’s Air Defence capabilities.

Further, the DAC granted approval for procurement of BRAHMOS Launcher and Fire Control System (FCS) for the Shivalik class of ships and Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMVs) for Indian Navy.

“With their induction, these ships would have enhanced capability of carrying out maritime strike operations, interdicting and destroying enemy’s warships and merchant vessels,” the release said.