Defence acquisition proposals worth Rs 52,000 cr cleared, will boost combat readiness of forces
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Context
The (DAC), headed by the Defence Minister, has cleared procurement proposals worth approximately Rs 52,000 crore by granting (AoN). These acquisitions include various advanced weapon systems and technologies aimed at enhancing the combat readiness and modernization of the Indian Armed Forces in preparation for future multi-domain operations.
UPSC Perspectives
Internal Security
The cleared procurements highlight a strategic shift towards modern warfare, emphasizing multi-domain operations where dominance in air, land, sea, cyber, and space is required simultaneously. The acquisition of Anti-Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Anti-UAV) like 'Akash Tarang' addresses the growing asymmetric threat posed by drone technology in border regions and conflict zones. For land forces, systems like the (MPATGM) and Active Protection Systems for tanks enhance ground-level survivability and anti-armour capabilities against mechanized threats. This aligns with the UPSC syllabus focus on modernization of armed forces and internal security challenges. Candidates should understand how these specific technologies counter emerging threats, moving beyond conventional warfare doctrine.
Science & Technology
The approved list demonstrates India's focus on inducting advanced, autonomous, and electronic warfare capabilities. Procuring Jet-Based Kamikaze Drones (loitering munitions) provides the Army with cost-effective, precise, and lethal strike options while enhancing electronic warfare capacity. The (FW-HAPS) for the Air Force is a critical technological leap. Functioning like a satellite but operating in the stratosphere, it offers persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities without the high cost and deployment challenges of traditional space-based assets. This relates directly to the GS Paper 3 syllabus on awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology. The exam may test the understanding of these technologies, their applications, and how they differ from conventional systems.
Governance
This development illustrates the intricacies of the defence procurement process in India. The (DAC) is the highest decision-making body for capital acquisition, created post the Kargil War based on the recommendations to reform the national security system. Granting an (AoN) is merely the first, though crucial, step in the complex procurement cycle; it essentially means the government agrees a capability is needed. It does not guarantee a final contract, highlighting the often lengthy journey from identifying a need to actual induction. For UPSC, understanding the role of the DAC and the stages of the Defence Acquisition Procedure is vital for analyzing issues related to military modernization, bureaucratic delays, and indigenous defence production.