<p>The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has greenlit 10 capital acquisition proposals worth Rs 1.45 lakh crore, aiming to significantly enhance India’s defence capabilities. The Ministry of Defence (MoD), in a <a href=”https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2051323″>statement</a> issued on Tuesday, emphasised that “99% of the total cost of AoNs (Acceptance of Necessity) is from indigenous sources under Buy (Indian) and Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured) categories.”</p>
<p>Among the major approvals is the procurement of Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs), which is intended to modernise the Indian Army’s tank fleet. The MoD highlighted that the FRCV “will be a futuristic Main Battle Tank with superior mobility, all-terrain ability, multilayered protections, precision & lethal fires over and real-time situational awareness.”</p>
<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a title=”” href=”https://news.abplive.com/news/world/narendra-modi-in-brunei-darussalam-first-indian-pm-visit-singapore-next-asean-relations-act-east-policy-updates-1714708″ target=”_blank” rel=”noopener” data-toggle=”tooltip” data-html=”true” data-original-title=”Story ID: 1714708″ aria-describedby=”tooltip789133″>PM Modi Arrives In Brunei For Historic Visit, Singapore Next To Strengthen ASEAN Relations — Updates</a></strong></p>
<h3><strong>Rajnath Singh-Led Council Approves Procurement Of Air Defence Fire Control Radars</strong></h3>
<p>The Council also approved the procurement of Air Defence Fire Control Radars, which, according to the MoD, “will detect & track aerial target and provide firing solution.” Additionally, the acquisition of Forward Repair Teams (Tracked) was sanctioned. These teams, developed by Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited, “have suitable cross-country mobility for carrying out in-situ repair during mechanised operations” and are authorised for both mechanised Infantry Battalions and Armoured Regiments.</p>
<p>To bolster the Indian Coast Guard’s (ICG) operational capabilities, three proposals have been cleared, including the procurement of Dornier-228 aircraft, Next Generation Fast Patrol Vessels, and Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels. These acquisitions are expected to “enhance the capability of ICG to carry out surveillance, patrolling of maritime zone, search & rescue and disaster relief operations.”</p>
<h3><strong>Rajnath Singh-Led Council Pays Tributes To Late Indian Coast Guard DG Rakesh Pal</strong></h3>
<p>The meeting concluded on a solemn note as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid tribute to the late Indian Coast Guard Director General (DG) Rakesh Pal, who passed away due to a heart attack in Chennai on 18th August 2024. Singh highlighted DG Rakesh Pal’s “remarkable contributions to the growth and expansion of ICG,” and conveyed “heartfelt condolences, prayers, and unwavering support on behalf of the Ministry of Defence to the bereaved family.” All DAC members observed a moment of silence to honour the late DG.</p>