India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), which is led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved procurements for the military worth INR 217 billion (USD 2.65 billion).

The Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard will be the major beneficiaries, with the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) being granted for the procurement of 31 New Water Jet Fast Attack Crafts (NWJFACs) and 120 Fast Interceptor Craft (FIC-1) for the former, and six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) M (MR) for the latter.

The new NWJFACs will perform Low Intensity Maritime Operations, Surveillance, Patrol, and Search and Rescue (SAR) missions close to coast, in to anti-piracy missions in and around India’s island territories. The 120 FIC-1s will be primarily used for escorting high value naval maritime assets such as aircraft carriers, destroyers, and frigates, submarines. The Coast Guard will place an order with state-owned airframer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the helicopters.

The air force has been granted the AoN for procurement of an Electronic Warfare Suite (EWS) and overhaul of engines for its existing Sukhoi SU-30 MKI fighter aircraft. The new external pod mounted EW suite will comprise of an airborne Self Protection Jammer (SPJ), new Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) and associated equipment to enhance the survivability of Indian SU-30 MKIs.

The army also received approval for overhaul of engines powering its T-72 and T-90 Main Battle Tanks and BMP-II Infantry Combat Vehicles.

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