From swarm drones to bulletproof jackets for armed forces, Centre clears arms procurement proposal worth Rs 28,732 crore

The defence ministry on Tuesday gave preliminary approval to military modernisation projects, including procurement of swarm drones, bulletproof jackets and close-quarter battle (CBQ) carbines, collectively worth Rs 28,732 crore.
The Rajnath Singh-led Defence Acquisitions Council (DAC) accorded acceptance of necessity (AoN), which is the first step in the long-winded arms procurement process, to the different projects under the Buy-Indian IDDM (indigenously designed, developed and manufactured) and Buy (Indian) categories.
The main takeaway was the nod for the induction of four lakh modern CQB carbines, which the Army has been demanding since 2005, through a Make in India’ project to “combat the current complex paradigm of conventional and hybrid warfare and counter-terrorism” at the borders with Pakistan and China. “This will provide a major impetus to the small arms manufacturing industry in India and enhanceAtmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) in small arms,” an official said.
Noting that drone technology has proved to be a force-multiplier in the recent conflicts across the world, the official said the Rs 700 crore procurement of “autonomous surveillance and armed drone swarms” has been accorded by the DAC under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category to augment the Army’s capability in modern warfare.
Considering the demand of enhanced protection against the threat of enemy snippers to our troops deployed along the Line of Control, and in close combat operations in the counter-terrorism scenario, AoN was also granted for bulletproof jackets with Indian Standard BIS VI level of protection at a cost of Rs 700 crore.
Three more proposals of the Army, the Guided Extended Range Rocket Ammunition, Area Denial Munition Type I and Infantry Combat Vehicle – Command have been designed and developed by DRDO. The total value of these three proposals is Rs 8,599 crore. Guided Extended Range Rocket Ammunition has the range of 75 km with an accuracy of 40 m. The Aerial Denial Munition Type I Rocket Ammunition contains dual purpose submunitions capable of neutralising both tanks and armoured personnel carriers as well as B vehicle entrenched troops. 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 execution of tasks., officials said.
The Navy’s proposal to procure an upgraded 1250KW capacity marine gas turbine generator for the Kolkata class of warships through Indian Industry also got the nod. “This will give a major boost to the indigenous manufacturing of gas turbine generators,” he said.
The DAC also approved the proposal for the procurement of 14 fast-patrol vessels for the Coast Guard under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) with 60% indigenous content in order to enhance the security in the coastal region of the country.