In a significant move to strengthen India's military capabilities, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved capital acquisition proposals totalling over ₹54,000 crore. These approvals span across vital procurements for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, marking a critical step towards enhancing India's defence infrastructure.

Importantly, the DAC approval marks the India's Push for Advanced AEW&C Capabilities, signing the procurement of Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft systems including the Netra AEW&C airborne radar systems mounted on Brazilian aircraft-- Embraer aircraft. Embraer aircraft is already in service with the IAF which is equipped with upgraded systems on board with Netra. Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) systems are among the most critical components of modern military arsenals for enhanced situational awareness, command, control, and intelligence capabilities.

The approved proposals are designed to bolster the operational readiness and modernise the defence forces with cutting-edge equipment and systems.

As earlier reported by the author, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) was gearing up to address the delays over the Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) systems and aircraft and to add six Mk1A aircraft, using Embraer ERJ-145LR as the platform, worth ₹9,000 crore while the developmental work on the six Mk-2 aircraft, with bigger second-hand Airbus-321 planes bought from Air India, is already in an advanced stage.

The council also introduced reforms aimed at streamlining the defence procurement process, ensuring faster decision-making, and reducing bureaucratic hurdles.

Key Details of the Acquisition Proposals

The approved proposals are designed to bolster the operational readiness and modernise the defence forces with cutting-edge equipment and systems. They encompass a wide array of defence technologies, from advanced weapon systems to tactical platforms. With a focus on self-reliance and indigenous development, a significant portion of the funds will be directed toward purchasing equipment manufactured within India, supporting the government's "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiative.

The Indian Air Force will benefit from the acquisition of Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft systems.

For the Indian Army, the DAC has sanctioned the procurement of 1,350 horsepower (HP) engines. This includes the indigenous efforts on the existing 1,000 HP engines in T-90 tanks. This enhancement aims to improve the tanks' battlefield mobility, particularly in high-altitude areas, by increasing their power-to-weight ratio. These measures will enhance the Army's capacity to operate effectively across diverse terrains, ensuring readiness in both conventional and hybrid warfare scenarios.

For the Indian Navy, the DAC has approved acquisitions designed to enhance naval capabilities, including the acquisition of Varunastra torpedoes, indigenously developed ship-launched anti-submarine weapons by the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory. The Navy's procurement plans emphasize strengthening maritime security and improving the country's ability to safeguard its vast coastlines and maritime trade routes.

The country aims to enhance its AEW&C systems further with the development of larger platforms and more advanced radar systems.

The Indian Air Force will benefit from the acquisition of Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft systems.

The AEW&C systems, now better known as Netra AEW&C, developed by the DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) and mounted on Embraer ERJ-145 aircraft, is loaded with a variety of radar and communication systems. The AEW&C works as a key support system for the IAF with real-time surveillance, intelligence, and early warning capabilities. With its advanced phased array radar and the ability to detect targets at long ranges, Netra strengthens India's defence perimeter, particularly along its borders with China and Pakistan.

DAC is introducing measures that will allow for more rapid decision-making and streamlined approvals.

While the Netra system reflects India's growing capabilities in indigenously designed defence technologies, India's AEW&C development continues to be a work in progress. The country aims to enhance its AEW&C systems further with the development of larger platforms and more advanced radar systems. The future goal is to develop a more advanced version of Netra with longer ranges and improved tracking capabilities, ensuring better detection of stealth aircraft and missile threats.

Reforms to Expedite Defence Acquisition

Alongside the procurement approvals, the DAC has also green light a series of reforms to accelerate the defence acquisition process. Traditionally, defence procurements in India have faced delays due to bureaucratic inefficiencies, lengthy approval processes, and complex contract negotiations. To address these challenges, the DAC is introducing measures that will allow for more rapid decision-making and streamlined approvals.

One of the key reforms is the introduction of a simplified and standardized procurement procedure, reducing the time taken to process requests for proposals (RFPs) and finalizing contracts. The council is also focusing on encouraging greater participation of the private sector, including startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to foster innovation and improve competition in defence manufacturing.

 

Manish Kumar Jha is a Consulting & Contributing Editor for SP's Aviation, SP's Land Forces and SP's Naval Forces and a security expert. He writes on national security, military technology, strategic affairs & policies.