NEW DELHI: From long-range rockets, missiles, and radar systems to military platforms, the Defence Ministry on Monday approved procurement worth Rs 79,000 crore to bolster the military’s combat prowess.
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved the procurement of loiter munition systems for the Army’s artillery regiments for precision strike of tactical targets, and low-level lightweight radars to detect and track small-sized, low-flying unmanned aerial systems.
It also cleared long-range guided rocket ammunition to enhance the range and accuracy of Pinaka rocket systems for effective engagement of high-value targets, while the integrated drone detection and interdiction system (Mk-II) with enhanced range will protect the vital assets of the Indian Army in tactical battle area and hinterland.
For the Indian Navy, approval was accorded for the procurement of high-frequency software defined radios (HF SDR) Manpack and for leasing high-altitude, longrange (HALE) remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS). An unspecified number of RPAS are being taken on lease for continuous intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance over the Indian Ocean region, the ministry said.
For the Indian Air Force, approval was given for the procurement of an automatic take-off landing recording system, Astra Mk-II missiles, full mission simulator and SPICE-1000 long-range guidance kits, etc.
“Induction of the automatic take-off landing recording system. The deals approved include loiter munition systems, low-level lightweight radars, low-flying unmanned aerial systems, long-range guided rocket ammunition, and integrated drone detection and interdiction system will fill the gaps in the aerospace safety environment by providing high definition all-weather automatic recording of landing and take-off,” the ministry said.
It said Astra Mk-II missiles with enhanced range will increase the capability of the fighter aircraft to neutralise adversary aircraft from large standoff range.
The full mission simulator for light combat aircraft Tejas will augment pilots’ training, while SPICE-1000 will enhance IAF’s long-range precision strike capability.