Defence Ministry Clears Weapons Purchases Worth ₹79,000 Crore

• The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the purchase of military hardware worth ₹79,000 crore.
• The approvals aim to promote indigenous manufacturing of defence products.
• The decisions are expected to boost the combat readiness of the Indian Armed Forces.

Key Highlights of Approved Proposals

• Astra Mk-II Air-to-Air Missile: This missile will enhance the precision strike capability of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
  • Astra Mk-II is an indigenous Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM).
  • It has a range beyond 100 km, enabling long-distance aerial engagements.
  • The missile has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• Long-Range Guided Rocket Ammunition: This has been approved for the Indian Army’s Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS).
  • Pinaka MLRS enhances the Army’s long-range artillery firepower.
• Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDD&IS) Mk-II: This system offers an enhanced detection range.
  • It has improved interdiction capability to neutralise hostile drones.
  • The system will be deployed to protect vital military and civilian assets.
• SPICE-1000 Long-Range Guidance System: This is an Israeli-designed precision-guided munition.
  • It is manufactured by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.
  • The system enables precise air-to-ground strikes.
  • It allows long-distance cross-border targeting with high accuracy.
• High Altitude Long Range (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS): This system ensures continuous Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR).
  • It provides credible Maritime Domain Awareness over the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• Indigenous Loitering Munitions for the Army: These weapons are also known as kamikaze drones or suicide drones.
  • Unlike traditional Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) used for surveillance, loitering munitions are designed to directly attack targets.

About the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)

• The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) was established in 2001.
• It is chaired by the Union Minister of Defence.
• DAC functions as the apex body for strategic defence acquisition planning and oversight.
• It ensures coordinated decision-making across India’s defence establishment.

Functions of DAC

• DAC provides ‘in-principle’ approval for capital acquisitions under the Long Term Perspective Plan (LTPP).
• It monitors the progress of major defence acquisition projects.
• It grants Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for defence procurement proposals.