BIG Defence Boost! DAC clears Rs 52,000 crore military acquisitions - Which weapon systems made list?

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Friday accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisition proposals worth about Rs 52,000 crore to enhance the combat readiness of the armed forces.

The approvals include the procurement of missile systems, air defence equipment, anti-drone systems, drones and naval platforms for the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.

The AoN is an in-principle administrative approval granted by the DAC before the procurement process begins. The approval allows the Ministry of Defence to initiate the acquisition process, while contracts will be awarded at a later stage.

Army to get missile systems, anti-drone equipment

For the Indian Army, the DAC approved the procurement of the Anti-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Electronic Warfare System 'AKASH TARANG', Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) Systems, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) Weapon System, Very Short Range Air Defence System (V-SHORADS), Active Protection System for Tanks and Jet-Based Kamikaze Drone System.

According to the Ministry of Defence, AKASH TARANG will provide effective protection against hostile drones for Army formations. The MPATGM system will strengthen the infantry's capability to counter enemy armoured and mechanised vehicles.

The MRSAM system is designed to provide medium-range air defence against various stand-off aerial threats. The V-SHORADS, equipped with multi-spectral sensing technology, will improve the Army's ability to counter aerial threats with greater resilience against countermeasures.

The Active Protection System is intended to improve the protection and survivability of tanks during combat operations. The Jet-Based Kamikaze Drone System will enhance electronic warfare capability while offering greater lethality, survivability and cost-effectiveness.

Navy, Air Force proposals also cleared

For the Indian Navy, the DAC approved the procurement of Multi Influence Ground Mine (MIGM), Naval Shipborne Unmanned Aerial System (NSUAS) and the establishment of a Land-Based Testing Facility (LBTF) for Electric Propulsion Systems.

The government said the MIGM will help deny freedom of manoeuvre to adversaries in maritime operations. The NSUAS, equipped with advanced sensors, will improve the Navy's surveillance and situational awareness capabilities.

The proposed Land-Based Testing Facility will support the testing of motors and associated electric propulsion systems for naval platforms. For the Indian Air Force, the DAC approved the procurement of Fixed-Wing Based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (FW-HAPS), along with other proposals.

According to the government, the FW-HAPS will provide persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. It will also support telecommunication and remote sensing operations.

Which companies could benefit?

The approvals are expected to be positive for several listed and unlisted defence companies associated with the development and manufacturing of these systems, although contracts are yet to be awarded.

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) could be among the key beneficiaries as it is associated with the AKASH TARANG anti-drone electronic warfare system. The company is also a development and production partner for the MPATGM programme.

Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), India's missile manufacturer, produces the MPATGM system and could also benefit as procurement progresses. The MRSAM, also known as the Barak-8 missile system, has been jointly developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).

The V-SHORADS programme has been developed by DRDO with participation from private sector companies, including Adani Defence & Aerospace and ICOMM Tele Limited.

The Jet-Based Kamikaze Drone System, also known as Peacekeeper or Agniveg, is manufactured by New Delhi-based defence company SMPP in partnership with Belarus-based KB Indela.

However, the DAC has only granted Acceptance of Necessity for these proposals. The procurement process, including tendering and contract awards, will take place in subsequent stages. The final value of orders to individual companies will become clear only after contracts are awarded by the Ministry of Defence.