New Delhi. To strengthen the Armed Forces by relying on indigenous capability to take forward the initiative on ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) in its meeting held in New Delhi under the Chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on August 11 accorded approval for capital acquisitions of various platforms and equipment worth Rs 8,722.38 crore.

With Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) having successfully developed Basic Trainer Aircraft (HTT-40) Prototypes and certification process underway, the DAC approved procurement of 106 Basic Trainer Aircraft to address the basic training requirements of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Post Certification 70 Basic Trainer Aircraft will be initially procured from HAL and balance 36 after the operationalisation of HTT-40 fleet in IAF.

As far as the Indian Navy is concerned, to improve its fire power, the DAC approved procurement of an upgraded version of Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM), which is fitted as the main gun onboard the Navy and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) warships, from Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL). The upgraded version of SRGM has enhanced capability to perform against fast manoeuvring targets like missiles and Fast Attack Crafts (FACs), and increase the maximum engagement range.

In view of the availability of requisite capability for indigenous development of the ammunition, both in terms of ‘Manufacturing’ and ‘Technology’, the DAC approved procurement of 125 mm APFSDS (Armour Piercing Fin Stabilised Discarding Sabot) ammunition for Indian Army as a ‘Design and Development Case’. The ammunition being procured will have a 70 per cent indigenous content.

The Defence Acquisition Council also gave approvals that are likely to speed up the procurement of AK-203 assault rifles and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) upgrades.