India’s Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved a substantial $17 billion procurement of military hardware to enhance the country’s defense capabilities.
A total of 10 capital acquisition proposals received acceptance of necessity from the council, marking the beginning of the procurement process.
Defence Acquisition Council cleared 10 capital acquisition proposals today, worth Rs 1.45 lakh crore, to enhance defence preparedness of the country.@giridhararamane pic.twitter.com/9RI1Dpvqk7
— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) September 3, 2024
Among the most important defense items that received approval are the Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCV), which are expected to modernize the Indian Army’s tank fleet.
The futuristic vehicles will reportedly offer superior mobility and multi-layered protection to withstand the challenges of modern warfare.
Furthermore, the plan to acquire air defense radars for detection and tracking of aerial targets has been approved by DAC.
A Multi-Domain Investment
The multibillion-dollar investment is a strategic move for New Delhi as it pushes to bolster its land, air, and naval capabilities.
Apart from the FRCV, the country will buy Forward Repair Team tracked vehicles to provide in-field repairs during mechanized operations.
India is also making multiple investments in its navy, including the procurement of Next-Generation Fast Patrol Vessels and Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels for long-range missions in challenging sea conditions.
For the air force, DAC has greenlighted the purchase of Dornier-228 aircraft to support special missions.
While the council did not disclose the exact number of assets or their costs, it stated that 99 percent of the items will be procured domestically to support the “Make in India” initiative.
