Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, today approved capital procurement for the Services amounting to over 22,800 crore rupees.

To boost the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the DAC accorded approval for indigenous design, development and manufacturing of ‘Thermal Imaging Night Sights’ for Assault Rifles. These sights will be manufactured by the Indian private industry and used by troops deployed on the frontline.

As a follow up of the successful indigenous Airborne Early Warning and Control programme, the DAC revalidated the Acceptance of Necessity for the procurement of additional Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) India aircraft.

The mission system and sub-systems for these aircraft would be indigenously designed, developed and integrated into the main platform by Defence Research and Development Organisation.

The Council also approved the procurement of long Medium-Range Anti-submarine Warfare P8 I aircraft for the Navy. These aircraft would greatly strengthen the Navy’s capabilities for maritime coastal surveillance, Anti-Submarine Warfare and Anti-Surface Vessel strike.

The DAC approved the procurement of Twin-Engine Heavy Helicopters for the Indian Coast Guard. These aircraft would enable the Coast Guard to undertake missions to prevent maritime terrorism, infiltration of terrorists by sea routes as well as Search & Rescue operations.