Defence Acquisition Council approves procurement of defence equipment worth Rs 9,100 cr

New Delhi, Sept 18 The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), led by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, met on Tuesday and accorded approval for the procurement of equipment worth over Rs 9,100 crore for the defence forces.

Pursuing the goal of indigenisation and self-reliance, the DAC affirmed obtainment of two regiments of Akash Missile Systems under 'Purchase (Indian)' classification from Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). The Missile is an upgraded version of the previously inducted Akash missiles and will include seeker technology, 360-degree coverage and will be of compact configuration with reduced signature. The upgraded Akash Weapon System is operationally basic gear which will give assurance to vital assets.

The council also accorded approval for progressing design and development of Individual Under Water Breathing Apparatus (IUWBA) for T 90 Tanks. Created by DRDO (Defense Research and Development Organization) Lab DEBEL, the IUWBA is utilized by the group of tanks as a wellbeing gear and is required by the tank team for crisis escape while arranging water deterrents while profound fording.

Approval was also accorded for design and development of Test Equipment for Guided Weapons System of T 90 Tank. The equipment is being developed by DRDO and will give an indigenous solution for the test equipment utilized for checking the Guided Weapon used of Tank T 90. The equipment earlier procured from outside OEMs, has been produced indigenously and is in quest for the central government's 'Make in India' initiative.