DAC approves procurement of equipment worth Rs 5,500 cr for Defence Forces

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met here on June 7, 2018, and accorded approval for the procurement of equipment for the Defence Forces valued at over Rs 5,500 crore.

Pursuing the goal of indigenisation and self-reliance in the field of Defence Procurements, the DAC approved procurement of 12 High Power Radars for the Indian Air Force under ‘Buy (Indian) IDDM’ category. They will provide long range medium and high altitude radar cover with the capability to detect and track high speed targets following parabolic trajectories.

Technologically superior, the radars will have the capability to scan 360^o without mechanical rotation of Antenna and will operate on 24 x 7 basis with minimal maintenance requirement. Their procurement will enhance the overall efficacy of the Air Defence network in the country, according to a PIB release.

The DAC also accorded approval for procurement of Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) for the Indian Coast Guard and Indian Army from Indian Shipyard. These vessels would offer great advantage over conventional boats/crafts with their ability to travel at very high speeds over shallow water, sand banks, mud flats and swamps which are non-navigable by boats/small crafts due to draught restrictions/uncharted depths. They would prove useful for amphibious/ riverine operations, especially where there is a requirement to move men and material from one island to another island across riverine terrain, creeks etc.