India sharpens battlefield edge: DAC clears Rs 79,000 cr for loiter munitions, anti-drone tech

India on Monday took a major step to strengthen its military capabilities as the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared proposals worth Rs 79,000 crore for advanced weapon systems, including loiter munitions and anti-drone technologies, the Defence Ministry said.

The DAC accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for a range of procurement proposals for the three services, amounting to approximately Rs 79,000 crore.

“During the meeting, AoN was approved for the procurement of Loiter Munition System for Artillery Regiments, Low Level Light Weight Radars, Long Range Guided Rocket Ammunition for Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MRLS), and Integrated Drone Detection & Interdiction System Mk-II for the Indian Army,” the ministry said in a statement.

The statement further said that loiter munitions will be deployed for precision strikes against tactical targets, while Low Level Light Weight Radars will enable the detection and tracking of small, low-flying unmanned aerial systems. The Long Range Guided Rockets are expected to significantly enhance the range and accuracy of the Pinaka MRLS, improving its ability to engage high-value targets.

The Integrated Drone Detection & Interdiction System Mk-II, with an enhanced operational range, will provide protection to critical Army assets across tactical battle areas and hinterland locations, the statement added.

For the Indian Navy, the government granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of Bollard Pull (BP) Tugs, High Frequency Software Defined Radio (HF SDR) manpacks, and the leasing of High Altitude Long Range (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS).

“Induction of BP Tugs will assist Naval ships and submarines in berthing, unberthing, and maneuvering in confined waters/harbor. The HF SDR will enhance long range secured communication during boarding and landing operations, whereas HALE RPAS will ensure continuous Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance and credible Maritime Domain Awareness over the Indian Ocean Region,” the statement said.

For the Indian Air Force, the Defence Ministry approved AoN for the procurement of systems and weaponry including the Automatic Take-off Landing Recording System, Astra Mk-II missiles, Full Mission Simulator, and SPICE-1000 long-range guidance kits.

“Induction of the Automatic Take-off Landing Recording System will fill the gaps in the aerospace safety environment by providing high definition all-weather automatic recording of landing and take-off. Astra Mk-II Missiles with enhanced range will increase the capability of the fighter aircraft to neutralise adversary aircraft from large standoff range. Full Mission Simulator for Light Combat Aircraft Tejas will augment pilots’ training in a cost effective and safe manner, while SPICE-1000 will enhance long range precision strike capability of the Indian Air Force,” the ministry added.

With inputs from agencies