DAC approves Rs 22,800 crore for rifle sights, aircraft, and choppers

News: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved capital procurement worth Rs 22,800 crore.

Facts:

The projects that were approved include:

• thermal imaging-based night sights for assault rifles,
• Long range anti-submarine warfare P8I aircraft.

o   The P8I aircraft will be used by the Navy and will enhance its capabilities for maritime coastal surveillance, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Anti-Surface Vessel (ASV) strikes.

• Twin engine heavy helicopters.

o   It will be procured for the Indian Coast Guard to undertake missions to prevent maritime terrorism, infiltration of terrorists by sea routes as well as search and rescue operations

• Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft.

o   AWACS will be used to increase the extent of coverage along the borders and enhance both air defence and offensive capabilities.

Additional Information:

Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)

• Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is the highest decision making body for military procurement. It functions under the Ministry of Defence.
• The council was formed in 2001.It is headed by Defence minister.
• The objective of the DAC is to ensure expeditious procurement of the approved requirements of the Armed Forces in terms of capabilities sought and time frame prescribed by optimally utilizing the allocated budgetary resources.
• The council also gives policy guidelines to acquisitions based on long-term procurement plans.
• It also clears all acquisitions including imported equipment and those produced indigenously or under a foreign licence.