DAC Nods to Projects Worth Rs 84560 Cr More C295 Aircraft

This includes 16 C295 aircraft made in India for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard, produced by Airbus Defence and Space in collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL). The approval also covers equipment capable of countering low-flying drones and over-the-horizon UAVs for mechanized forces.

These decisions highlight the significance of obtaining equipment from Indian suppliers to encourage self-reliance.

Also Read: DAC Nods to Projects Worth Rs 84560 Cr More C295 Aircraft

Under the Buy Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured (IDDM) category, the DAC has approved the purchase of a new generation of Anti-tank mines with seismic sensors and remote deactivation features for added safety.

Furthermore, the DAC has granted approval for the procurement of the Canister Launched Anti-Armour Loiter Munition System to improve operational efficiency and dominance in the Tactical Battle Area, especially for engaging targets Beyond Visual Line of Sight by the Mechanised Forces.

Acknowledging the need to reinforce Air Defence Systems, the DAC has approved the acquisition of Air Defence Tactical Control Radar under the Buy Indian-IDDM category. This decision underscores the importance of detecting slow, small, and low-flying targets, as well as enhancing surveillance, detection, and tracking capabilities.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Defence on Friday, approval has been given for the purchase of Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance and Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft through the Buy and Make category. This move aims to strengthen surveillance and interdiction capabilities of the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) over the vast maritime area.

Also Read: DAC Nods to Projects Worth Rs 84560 Cr More C295 Aircraft

To address potential threats, the Indian Navy will receive Active Towed Array Sonar and Heavyweight Torpedoes under the Buy Indian category, including support for 24 MH60R aircraft through the Foreign Military Sale (FMS) route with the US Government.

In addition to equipment procurement, approval has been granted for the purchase of Flight Refueler Aircraft to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force.

Financial Express Online previously reported that the US aerospace Boeing Company has offered the KC-46 tanker, a derivative of the Boeing 767 passenger aircraft, to the Indian Air Force (IAF), which is seeking quotes for mid-air refuelers.

The Ministry of Defence is also considering the European aerospace major Airbus’ A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT).

Meanwhile, the Brazilian Aerospace major Embraer has offered its C390 Millennium Military Transport Aircraft, which also has the capability to be used as a mid-air refueler.

Also Read: DAC Nods to Projects Worth Rs 84560 Cr More C295 Aircraft

Additionally, state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Israel Aerospace Industries have signed a MoU to work under the Make in India initiative to convert a civil aircraft into a Multi-Mission Tanker Transport (MMTT) aircraft.

Interestingly, one of the QUAD member countries, Japan, is acquiring the KC-46 Tanker for its Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).

Unlike the Airbus’ MRTT, which is a derivative of the twin-engine A330 passenger aircraft of Airbus, the KC-46 tanker has the ability to carry cargo and passengers and can be used in humanitarian relief efforts. The KC-46 refueling certification covers US Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and JASDF aircraft.

Also Read: DAC Nods to Projects Worth Rs 84560 Cr More C295 Aircraft

Why is the IAF looking for new mid-air refuelers?

India currently has six Russian Illyushin-78 tankers, first inducted into service in 2003. These have now aged and require a lot of maintenance and servicing.

The need for tankers is also felt as they add range-enhancing capability to fighters, allowing pilots to carry out strikes at longer ranges and stay in-flight without requiring landing and refueling.

Also Read: DAC Nods to Projects Worth Rs 84560 Cr More C295 Aircraft

The IAF has the new Rafale fighters from France, and the Indian Navy will soon receive the Marine version of these fighter jets, which have long-range capability because they can be refueled midair. The same is the case with the Light Combat Aircraft ‘Tejas’ Mk 1A, which has the capability of mid-air refueling.

Furthermore, approval has been granted for the procurement of Software Defined Radios for the ICG under the Buy Indian-IDDM category, fulfilling the requirement for high-speed communication with secure networking capability for seamless information exchange between the ICG and Indian Navy units.

In an effort to encourage a friendly defense start-up ecosystem and promote the procurement of advanced technologies from start-ups and MSMEs, the DAC has approved amendments to the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020.

Also Read: DAC Nods to Projects Worth Rs 84560 Cr More C295 Aircraft

These adjustments include changes in benchmarking, cost computation, payment schedule, and procurement quantity to provide incentives and a supportive business environment for start-ups and MSMEs under iDEX and TDF schemes, aligning with the government’s initiative of ‘Ease of Doing Business.’

In conclusion, the recent approvals by the Defence Acquisition Council mark a significant step towards enhancing India’s defense capabilities and promoting self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

These decisions underscore the government’s commitment to modernizing the armed forces and fostering innovation in the defense sector. With a renewed focus on indigenous development and technology, India is well-positioned to meet the challenges of the future and emerge as a global leader in defense innovation.

Also Read: DAC Nods to Projects Worth Rs 84560 Cr More C295 Aircraft

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