NEW DELHI: Rajnath Singh-led Defence Acquisition Council Monday gave in-principle approval (acceptance of necessity) for acquisition of military hardware for the three services, including modernisation of fighter jets (Sukhois) and advanced light helicopters, purchase of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) recce vehicles, radars, bridge systems and mine layers, at an estimated cost of Rs 1.10 lakh crore.A key feature of the defence approvals is the push towards domestic acquisition, reducing dependence on imports and giving a boost to govt’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.On X, the defence minister said, “Of the total acceptance of necessity accorded, approximately 98% of procurements will be made from the Indian industry. It shows our commitment towards developing a strong defence industrial base in India.”For Army, approval was granted for procurement of CBRN recce vehicles, high mobility vehicles (HMVs), self-propelled mechanical mine layers, advanced light helicopters (ALHs), trawl tanks and Sarvatra bridge system, the ministry said. While CBRN recce vehicles will be capable of detecting, identifying, monitoring and marking of areas contaminated with CBRN agents, trawl tanks are specialised military combat vehicles equipped with a front-mounted assembly designed to detonate landmines to clear a path from enemy mines.HMVs are expected to enhance operational capabilities, logistic support and mobility in challenging terrains. “The ALHs will execute complex missions across all terrains and operational situations for Army and IAF,” it said.For Navy, approval was given for the procurement of Arudhra radars, design and development and subsequent procurement of marine gas turbines (MGT). Arudhra radars will replace the existing air route surveillance radars at various naval air stations, while MGT, a warship propulsion system, is expected to reduce dependency on foreign vendors.For IAF, approval was granted to various proposals to “enhance the war-fighting capability of fighters, transports and helicopters”. Approval was accorded for procuring ground-based multi-purpose jammer and installing defence forces secure access card system, it said.
