The Defense Ministry has approved the purchase of weapons and other military equipment worth Rs 79 thousand crore for the Army and Navy. This purchase also includes 2408 Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) systems ‘Nag’ for the Indian Army (Army). For the first time after Operation Sindoor, such a big purchase has been approved simultaneously.
The Defense Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, approved proposals from various military services worth a total amount of about Rs 79,000 crore during a meeting at South Block (Defence Ministry Headquarters) in the capital Delhi. The Chiefs of the three wings of the Army (Army, Air Force and Navy), including the Defense Secretary and other senior officers were present in this meeting.
Approval received from Defense Ministry
According to the Defense Ministry, in the DAC meeting, approval was given for the purchase of Nag Missile System (Tracked) Mk-II (Nag Missile Carrier i.e. NAMIS) for the Indian Army. However, the Defense Ministry did not clarify how many Nag systems will be purchased, but according to the information, this number is 2408.
The Nag missile, designed to destroy enemy tanks and bunkers, has been installed on a tracked vehicle. In such a situation, tracked vehicles will also be purchased along with ATGM. The range of Nag missile developed by Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is about 10 kilometers.
Approval of GBMES and HMV for Army
According to the Defense Ministry, the purchase of NAMIS (Tracked) will increase the Indian Army’s ability to disable enemy combat vehicles, bunkers and other regional fortifications. Apart from the Nag missile system, the Defense Ministry has also provided Approval of Requirement (AON) for the procurement of Ground Based Mobile ELINT System (GBMES) and High Mobility Vehicles (HMV) including Material Handling Crane for the Army.
GBMES will provide round the clock electronic intelligence on enemy emitters. The induction of HMV will significantly improve logistics support to armies in diverse geographical areas.
Approval of these defense materials for Indian Navy
Defense Procurement Council has provided AoN for procurement of Smart Ammunition for Landing Platform Docks (LPD), 30 mm Naval Surface Gun (NSG), Advanced Light Weight Torpedo (ALWT), Electro Optical Infrared Search and Track System and 76 mm Super Rapid Gun Mount for the Indian Navy.
The procurement of LPDs will help the Indian Navy to carry out amphibious operations with the Indian Army and Indian Air Force. The integrated maritime capability provided by LPD will also assist the Indian Navy in peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief etc.
indigenously developed weapon capable
The arrival of the indigenously developed ALWT from DRDO’s Naval Science and Technology Laboratory is capable of targeting conventional, nuclear and small submarines. The procurement of 30 mm NSG will enhance the capability of the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard to conduct low intensity maritime operations and anti-piracy roles.
DAC has provided AON for the Collaborative Long Range Target Saturation-Destruction System (CLRTS-DS) and other proposals for the Indian Air Force. CLRTS-DS are a type of combat drone with the capability of autonomous take-off, landing, navigation, detection and delivery of payload in the mission area.
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