Defence Ministry Clears ₹67,000 Crore Procurement to Bolster Border Security

Rapid Summary

• The Defense Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister rajnath Singh, approved procurement proposals worth approximately ₹67,000 crore to enhance India’s military capabilities.
• Indian Army:

– Approval for Thermal Imager-based Driver Night Sight for BMP to improve night driving and mobility of mechanised infantry.

• Indian Navy:

– Sanctioned procurement of Compact Autonomous Surface Craft for anti-submarine warfare missions.
– Approved BrahMos Fire Control System, launchers, and upgradation of the BARAK-1 point defence missile system.

• Indian air Force:

– Approval granted for mountain radars to bolster air surveillance in mountainous regions.
– Upgrades sanctioned for the Saksham/Spyder weapon system with integration into the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS).

• Cross-service acquisitions include Medium Altitude Long endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs) capable of carrying multiple payloads and weapons for extended surveillance missions.
• Approvals provided for maintaining C-17 and C-130J fleets as well as an annual maintenance contract for the S-400 Long Range Air Defence Missile System.

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Indian Opinion Analysis

The ₹67,000 crore approval by India’s DAC demonstrates a significant push towards modernising critical elements of its armed forces across land, sea, and air domains. The focus on Indigenous or advanced technology like autonomous surface craft suggests a strategic emphasis on self-reliance while addressing newly emerging security challenges such as enhanced border surveillance via mountain radars.

The inter-services deployment of MALE RPAs marks a notable shift toward integrated value additions within India’s defence posture, enhancing operational synergy among forces. Upkeeping systems like S-400 ensures combat readiness without disruptions over time-a detail critical given existing regional tensions. This comprehensive approach reflects India’s commitment to future-ready military preparedness while embracing cost-efficient lifecycle management solutions.