Government approves ₹2.12 crore defense purchases, including kamikaze drones and helicopters

As part of a major defense acquisition drive, India on Monday approved the purchase of a number of military platforms and weapons systems, including light multirole helicopters, long-range Kamikaze drones and radars, at a cost ₹2.12 lakh crore to enhance the combat capability of the defense forces.

The procurement proposals were approved by the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC), the highest decision-making body of the Ministry of Defense in the field of military procurement. It was presided over by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh.

DAC has granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) or administrative approval in principle to various capital acquisition proposals at an estimated cost of about ₹2,12,000 crore, the Defense Ministry said.

The Indian Army has been given approval to purchase High Mobility Vehicles (HMV), Self Propelled Tracked Gun System, Missile Response System (GSRS), Light Multi-role Helicopters (LMRH), Very Short Range Air Defense System (VSHORADS) and Counter-Manned Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS).

The DAC also approved the acquisition of additional unmanned aerial systems, aerial surveillance assets, an integrated surveillance and strike system and a long-range Kamikaze drone system for the military.

While the HMV is expected to improve operational capabilities, logistical support and mobility in challenging terrain, the self-propelled tracked gun system will provide mobility and firepower to mechanized formations.

The GSRS will serve as a force multiplier to provide real-time situational awareness, the ministry said.

It said the LMRH will be used by both the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force for a range of purposes, including reconnaissance and surveillance, combat, search and rescue, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

VSHORADS will engage next-generation small air threats, while C-UAS will improve tank survivability on the modern battlefield. According to the ministry, the surveillance and drone systems will enhance the surveillance and targeting capabilities of the Indian Army.

The acquisition of the Active Airborne Decoy System (AODS) and other major naval platforms has been approved for the Indian Navy. AODS will enhance the credibility of anti-missile defense, especially against modern anti-ship missiles of adversaries, the ministry said.

The in-house designed and engineered major naval platforms will have modern warfare capabilities and enhance the Navy’s combat capabilities, it said.

The DAC approved the procurement of helicopters, air defense systems and weapons, and a mobile X-band Doppler meteorological radar system to enhance the air defense and combat capabilities of the force.

“Procurement of special utility helicopters will help the Indian Air Force to meet critical air transport requirements. The X-band Doppler meteorological radar system will provide high-resolution localized weather monitoring in forward areas,” the ministry said in a statement.

Of the total AoNs awarded, approximately 82 percent of the contracts will be from Indian industry, the company noted.