Defence Ministry clears DRDO-developed projects in major muscle boost to army - details

New Delhi: The Defence Ministry on Tuesday approved various Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) projects which are set to boost the Indian Armed Forces' firepower. Among the projects cleared by the Defence Ministry are Guided Extended Range ammunition along with area denial munition rockets for Pinaka rocket launchers. "Among the proposals approved by DAC in the meeting are three proposals of the Indian Army, viz. Guided Extended Range Rocket Ammunition, Area Denial Munition Type I, and Infantry Combat Vehicle - Command have been designed and developed by DRDO," the Defence Ministry said in a statement.
The Defence Ministry further noted that the total value of these 3 proposals is Rs 8,599 crore. "Total value of these 3 proposals is Rs 8,599 crore. Guided Extended Range Rocket Ammunition has a range of 75 km with an accuracy of 40 meters. Aerial Denial Munition Type I Rocket Ammunition contains dual purpose sub munitions capable of neutralizing both tanks," a statement by the Defence Ministry read.
On the other hand, the Infantry Combat Vehicle – Command is 'equipped with technology to collect, disseminate, share and present real-time information to commanders to facilitate quick decision-making for the execution of tasks,' the Defence Ministry noted.
In a Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) meeting headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, a proposal for bulletproof jackets with enhanced protection was also approved. "Defence Acquisition Council meeting headed by Rajnath Singh cleared a proposal for bulletproof jackets with enhanced protection against the threat of enemy snippers to our troops deployed along the LoC & in close combat operations in counter-terrorism ops," the Defence Ministry said.

DAC also approved the procurement of Autonomous Surveillance and Armed Drone Swarms to 'augment the Indian Army's capability in modern warfare.'
"To combat complex paradigm of conventional and hybrid warfare and counter-terrorism at the LAC and Eastern Borders, approval was given for induction of around. 4 lakh Close Quarter Battle Carbines for the Services," Defence Ministry further added in a statement.
DAC also cleared a proposal by the Indian Coast Guard to acquire 14 Fast patrol vessels for boosting maritime security along with the Navy's proposal to procure an upgraded 1250KW capacity Marine Gas Turbine Generator.