Approval was given to purchase four lakh close quarter battle carbines.

New Delhi. The Defense Ministry on Tuesday approved the purchase of swarm drones, close quarter carbines and other military equipment and weapons worth Rs 28,000 crore to strengthen the combat capability of the armed forces along the northern and western borders. The Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) headed by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh approved these proposals. The Defense Ministry said in a statement, “The DAC has approved the Requirement of Approval (AON) for capital procurement proposals of Rs 28,732 crore of the Armed Forces.” New procurement proposals have been approved amidst the long deadlock.

The ministry said approval has been given to procure four lakh close quarter battle carbines to counter the “current complex paradigm of conventional and hybrid warfare”. “This step will provide a major impetus to the small arms manufacturing industry in India and enhance self-reliance in small arms manufacturing,” the statement said. Keeping the security in mind, and combat operations in counter-terrorism scenario, DAC approved AON for Bulletproof Jacket with Indian Standard BIS-VI level of protection.’

Preparing to buy armed swarm drone
Regarding armed swarm drones, the ministry said that these are being procured because drone technology has proven to enhance the strength of security forces in military operations. “Drone technology has become a force for security forces in military operations in recent conflicts around the world,” the ministry said. Therefore, AON has been approved by DAC for procurement of Surveillance and Armed Drone Swarms under (Indian-IDDM) category to enhance the capability of Indian Army in today’s war.

Approval for the purchase of 14 fast patrol vessels
The DAC has also approved the Navy’s proposal to procure 1,250-kW capacity advanced marine gas turbine generators for power generation on Kolkata-class ships through Indian industry. “This will give a boost to indigenous manufacturing of gas turbine generators,” the ministry said. The ministry said that the proposal for procurement of 14 fast patrol vessels for the Indian Coast Guard has also been approved. “With a view to enhance security in the coastal area, DAC has also approved the proposal for procurement of 14 Rapid Patrol Vessels (FPVs) for the Indian Coast Guard with 60 per cent indigenous material,” the statement said.