New Delhi: In a major boost to India’s military preparedness, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Monday approved procurement proposals worth around ₹79,000 crore for the Army, Navy and Air Force.

According to an official statement, “AoN was approved for the procurement of Loiter Munition System for Artillery Regiments, Low Level Light Weight Radars, Long Range Guided Rocket Ammunition for Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MRLS), and Integrated Drone Detection & Interdiction System Mk-II for the Indian Army.”

The Loiter Munition System is intended for precision strikes against tactical targets, while the Low Level Light Weight Radars will enhance the Army’s ability to detect and track small, low-flying unmanned aerial systems.

The Long Range Guided Rocket Ammunition will significantly improve the range and accuracy of the Pinaka MRLS, enabling effective engagement of high-value targets. Meanwhile, the Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System Mk-II, with enhanced operational range, will strengthen the protection of vital Army assets across tactical battle areas and hinterland locations.

For the Indian Navy, the DAC accorded AoN for the procurement of Bollard Pull (BP) Tugs, High Frequency Software Defined Radios (HF SDR) Manpack, and the leasing of High Altitude Long Range (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS).

The induction of BP Tugs will help naval ships and submarines during berthing, unberthing and manoeuvring in restricted harbour areas. The HF SDR Manpack will improve long-range secure communications during boarding and landing missions, while the HALE RPAS will provide sustained intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, ensuring credible maritime domain awareness across the Indian Ocean Region.

For the Indian Air Force, AoN was approved for the acquisition of the Automatic Take-off Landing Recording System, Astra Mk-II air-to-air missiles, Full Mission Simulator, and SPICE-1000 Long Range Guidance Kits, among other systems.

The statement noted that “The induction of the Automatic Take-off Landing Recording System will fill the gaps in the aerospace safety environment by providing high-definition all-weather automatic recording of landing and take-off.” It added that “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 the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas is expected to enhance pilot training in a cost-effective and safe manner, while the SPICE-1000 guidance kits will significantly boost the Indian Air Force’s long-range precision strike capability. IANS