(Image source from: manufacturing.economictimes.indiatimes.com)

India plans to purchase military equipment worth Rs 79,000 crore to strengthen its armed forces. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) met today under the leadership of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to approve multiple acquisition plans for the air force, navy, and army.

Army: The DAC approved the 'Acceptance of Necessity (AoN)' for a plan to purchase the Mk-II NAMIS missile system that operates on tracks. Other military equipment cleared by the DAC includes ground-based mobile ELINT systems referred to as GBMES, and high-mobility vehicles equipped with cranes. The tracked NAMIS will enhance the army's ability to target enemy vehicles, bunkers, and other fortifications. GBMES will offer continuous electronic intelligence on enemy signals and collect tactical information. The addition of high-mobility vehicles will greatly improve support for the forces across various terrains.

Navy: The navy’s list of items to purchase features landing platform docks (LPD), 30 mm naval surface guns, advanced lightweight torpedoes, an electro-optical infrared search and track system, and smart ammunition for the 76 mm super rapid gun. These landing platform docks will be instrumental for the Indian Navy in carrying out joint operations with the army and air force. They can also be used for peacekeeping missions, humanitarian aid, and disaster relief. The advanced lightweight torpedo, developed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), can target various types of submarines. The 30 mm naval surface guns will boost the navy and Indian Coast Guard's ability to perform low-intensity maritime and anti-piracy missions.

Air Force: For the air force, the DAC approved the Collaborative Long Range Target Saturation/Destruction System (CLRTS/DS) along with other proposals. This system can autonomously take off, land, navigate, detect, and deliver its payload at the mission site.