Aiming to promote indigenization, DAC approves various defence equipment worth Rs 5,000 Cr

New Delhi, January 22: With the objective to promote indigenization, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has recently approved the procurement of various defence equipment worth over Rs 5,000 crore from several indigenous sources. The meeting was chaired by defence minister Rajnath Singh as the DAC is the highest decision-making body for defence equipment purchase. Apart from defence equipment, DAC also approved shortlisting of Indian Strategic Partners (SP).

 

While taking the decisions, the DAC approved that Indian Army will purchase sophisticated Electronic Warfare Systems (EWS) designed by Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO). Along with this, the Ministry of Defence will purchase all these electronic warfare systems from the Indian industry only. The DAC also approved prototype testing of trawl designed by DRDO for T-90 and T-72 tanks. It will provide an important indigenous de-mining capacity to the Indian Army. Defence Acquisition Council also approved the inclusion of Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) in Defence Procurement Procedure.

Electronic warfare is a frequency-based war that uses radio waves, laser lights, and natural energy to disable or confuse an enemy’s communication or cyber equipment. It also involves hacking and collecting enemy signals to identify incoming missiles or any other threats. Electronic warfare systems will provide Counter Measure capabilities to the Indian Army. The system will also provide comprehensive Electronic Support to the field formations in terms of communications.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) was established in 2001 after the Group of Ministers (GoMs) recommended reforming the national security system. The DAC is the highest decision making body for purchasing of new and sophisticated army equipment. It takes decisions for all three services – Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The DAC is chaired by the Union Defence Minister.