The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Thursday (March 20, 2025) accepted pointers geared toward shortening the timelines of the defence procurement course of, alongside granting preliminary approvals for procurement proposals value ₹54,000 crore.
This resolution follows the Cupboard Committee on Safety’s (CCS) last approval for the procurement of 307 indigenously designed and developed artillery weapons at a price of ₹7,000 crore.
As a part of the MoD’s initiative to mark 2025 because the “Yr of Reforms,” the DAC launched pointers to scale back procurement timelines by 10-15%, making the method sooner and extra environment friendly. In response to defence sources, this discount is achieved by eliminating delays at varied levels by means of data-driven changes. These measures are set to be applied instantly.
Among the many approvals granted, the DAC accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for eight proposals value over ₹54,000 crore. Notable amongst these is the procurement of 1350 HP engines to improve the Military’s T-90 tanks from their present 1000 HP engines. This enhancement goals to enhance the tanks’ battlefield mobility, significantly in high-altitude areas, by rising their power-to-weight ratio.
For the Indian Air Pressure, AoN was accepted for buying Airborne Early Warning & Management (AEW&C) Plane techniques. These techniques will complement the present three Netra AEW&C airborne radar techniques mounted on Embraer plane at the moment in service.
Amongst these initiatives is the acquisition of extra Varunastra torpedoes, that are superior ship-launched anti-submarine weapons developed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL). The choice to obtain these torpedoes is meant to bolster the Indian Navy’s capability to counter submarine threats from adversaries, thereby enhancing maritime safety.
The Varunastra torpedo is notable for its autonomous operation and superior design, permitting it to be efficient in each shallow and deep waters. It contains a highly effective electrical propulsion system and may attain speeds exceeding 40 knots whereas carrying a traditional warhead of as much as 250 kg. The induction of extra Varunastra torpedoes into the Navy’s arsenal is anticipated to considerably enhance its anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
Along with the Varunastra, the DAC additionally accepted the procurement of 307 Superior Towed Artillery Gun Techniques (ATAGS) for the Indian Military. This artillery system, designed in collaboration with Bharat Forge and Tata Group, is anticipated to reinforce the Military’s firepower considerably. Bharat Forge emerged because the lowest bidder for this contract, which can be cut up between the 2 corporations if TATA Group can match their pricing.
These selections replicate a broader initiative by the Ministry of Defence to streamline procurement processes as a part of celebrating 2025 because the ‘Yr of Reforms.’ The DAC goals to make acquisitions sooner and extra environment friendly, decreasing delays which have traditionally plagued army procurements in India.
The current approval of a ₹7,000 crore deal for the Superior Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) marks a major stride in direction of enhancing India’s defence capabilities and decreasing international dependency in army tools.
This initiative, led by the Cupboard Committee on Safety (CCS) below Prime Minister Narendra Modi, includes the acquisition of 307 indigenously designed 155mm artillery weapons, that are anticipated to interchange outdated fashions at the moment in service. The ATAGS boasts a variety of as much as 48 kilometres and is anticipated to bolster the operational readiness of the Indian Military alongside its borders with China and Pakistan.
Probably the most notable features of the ATAGS is its excessive stage of indigenous content material, with over 65% of its elements sourced domestically. Key subsystems such because the barrel, muzzle brake, breech mechanism, firing and recoil system, and ammunition dealing with mechanism are all produced inside India. This growth not solely strengthens the home defence business but in addition considerably mitigates reliance on international expertise and imports.
Moreover, the challenge is anticipated to generate substantial employment alternatives, creating an estimated 20 lakh man-days throughout varied sectors. This aligns with India’s broader purpose of self-reliance in defence manufacturing and contributes positively to the nation’s defence export portfolio.
The ATAGS challenge, developed by the Defence Analysis and Growth Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Bharat Forge and TATA Superior Techniques, exemplifies India’s dedication to advancing its indigenous army capabilities whereas fostering financial progress by means of native manufacturing.
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