Under the leadership of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, the Defence Purchase Council (DAC) approved Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for three capital acquisition proposals totaling Rs 4,276 crore on January 10, 2023. The Buy (Indian-IDDM) category includes all three proposals, two from the Indian Army and one from the Indian Navy.
The Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) will be integrated with HELINA Anti-Tank Guided Missiles, launchers, and related support equipment, as per the agreement the DAC made with AoN. (ALH). This missile is a crucial component of the ALH’s weaponization to counter the attack from the adversaries. Its deployment will boost the Indian Army’s potential for counterattack.
The DAC also approved AoN for the acquisition of the VSHORAD (IR Homing) missile system, which is actively getting designed and developed by the DRDO. It is essential to focus on effective Air Defence (AD) weapon systems that are man-portable and can be quickly deployed in challenging terrain and maritime domains in light of recent developments along the Northern frontiers. The acquisition of VSHORAD will enhance the capabilities of air defence as it is a reliable and quick-deployable system.
Additionally, the DAC approved the acquisition of Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMVs) for the Indian Navy as well as Brahmos Launcher and Fire Control System (FCS) for the Shivalik class of ships. These ships would have improved capabilities for executing maritime strike operations, intercepting, and destroying enemy warships and mercantile vessels with their deployment.
