The decision to go for the capital procurement was taken at a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

NEW DELHI: The Defence Acquisition Council headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday approved procurement worth more than Rs 22,800 crore for the defence services which includes airborne warning aircraft, anti-submarine P8i aircraft and thermal imaging sights for assault rifles.

“The DAC approved the procurement of long range Anti-submarine Warfare P8 I aircraft for the Navy. These aircraft would greatly strengthen the Navy's capabilities for maritime coastal surveillance, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Anti-Surface Vessel (ASV) strike,” the defence ministry said.

As a follow up to the indigenous Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) program, the DAC re-validated the Acceptance of Necessity for the procurement of additional Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft. The mission system and sub-systems for these aircraft would be indigenously designed, developed and integrated onto the main platform by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

“These platforms would provide on-board Command & Control and 'Early Warning' which would assist the IAF in achieving effective air space dominance in the least possible time. The Induction of these systems would increase the extent of coverage along our borders and greatly enhance both the Air Defence and Offensive capabilities of the IAF,” the ministry said.

To boost the 'Make in India' initiative, the DAC accorded approval for indigenous design, development and manufacturing of 'Thermal Imaging Night Sights' for Assault Rifles. These sights will be manufactured by the Indian private industry and used by troops deployed on the frontline. “'Thermal Imaging Night Sights' would enable troops to undertake long range accurate engagements in dark and all weather conditions thereby enhancing the night fighting capabilities,” the ministry said.

The DAC also approved procurement of Twin Engine Heavy Helicopters (TEHH) for the Indian Coast Guard. “These aircraft would enable the Coast Guard to undertake missions to prevent maritime terrorism, infiltration of terrorists by sea routes as well as Search & Rescue operations,” it said.