India clears defence purchases worth Rs 29,000 crores

India has cleared weapon purchases worth Rs 28,732 crore, including armed drone swarms, carbines and bullet-proof jackets that will be designed and developed in the country, in a boost to PM Narendra Modi’s vision for self-reliance in the defence manufacturing sector.

The defence acquisition council (DAC) also approved the purchase of around 400,000 close-quarter carbines to combat the current complex paradigm of conventional warfare, hybrid warfare and counter-terrorism at the borders.

The procurement of autonomous surveillance and armed drone swarms was cleared to boost the army’s capability in modern warfare in the backdrop of drone technology proving to be a force multiplier in military operations and recent conflicts around the world.

Last year, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) showcased indigenous capability to carry out offensive missions in enemy territory with scores of drones working in assorted formations to identify, encircle and strike targets, with loitering munitions being developed to meet a key military requirement of our soldiers.

“Considering the demand of enhanced protection against the threat of enemy snipers to our troops deployed along the LoC, and in close combat operations in counter-terrorism scenario, the DAC accorded AoN for bullet-proof jackets with Indian Standard BIS VI level of protection,” the defence ministry said. The bullet-proof jackets will offer enhanced protection to soldiers deployed along the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan.

The DAC also approved a navy proposal to procure an indigenously-upgraded 1250KW-capacity marine gas turbine generator for power generation on board the Kolkata-class of warships, and 14 fast patrol vessels for the Indian Coast Guard with 60% indigenous content.

The government has imposed a phased ban on the import of 310 different types of weapons and systems including light weight tanks, naval utility helicopters, artillery guns, missiles, destroyers, ship-borne cruise missiles, light combat aircraft, light transport aircraft, long-range land-attack cruise missiles, basic trainer aircraft, multi-barrel rocket launchers, assault rifles, sniper rifles, specified types of helicopters, next-generation corvettes and airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) systems.