The Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) meeting on Tuesday (January 10) approved the purchase of missiles, air defense weapons amid the ongoing deadlock on the Chinese border. A total of three proposals of the Army and Navy worth Rs 4,276 crore have been approved for procuring indigenous helicopter-launched anti-tank guided missiles, air defense weapons and equipping their warships with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, officials said.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh chaired the DAC. According to the Defense Ministry, in view of the recent developments along the Northern Borders (LAC), there is a need to focus on effective Air Defense (AD) weapon systems that are man portable. Also, they can be quickly deployed in rough areas and sea areas.
What did the officials say?
The anti-tank guided missile, Helina, will be integrated with the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and can hit targets up to seven km away, officials said. The Defense Ministry said that the DAC, which is India’s apex procurement body, accepted the Acceptance of Requirements (AoN) for the fire-and-forget Helina missile, launcher and associated accessories.
It was said in a statement that this missile is an essential part of the armament of ALH to counter the enemy. Its inclusion will strengthen the offensive capability of the Indian Army. Under India’s Defense Procurement Rules, the AON (Acceptance of Necessity) from the Council is the first step towards procuring military hardware.
Anti-Tank Guided Missile is also in the long list of weapons whose import has been banned by the government to promote self-reliance in the defense manufacturing sector. India has imposed a phased import ban on 411 different weapons and systems during the last two years. These are expected to be indigenized in phases in the next five to six years.
Approval got for these missiles, weapons
The DAC’s approval of Helina missiles, Very Short Range Air Defense System (VSHORADS) and BrahMos Launcher and Fire Control System (FCS) is under the most important category of acquisition for indigenization under the Defense Procurement Policy.
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