RPAs for 3 services to mountain radars: DAC clears procurements worth Rs 67,000 cr

The DAC’s approval for the maintenance of both American and Russian platforms with the IAF can be considered a display of strategic autonomy by India, especially at a time when the US President Donald Trump has been criticising India over its crude oil imports from Russia, a move New Delhi termed “unjustified and unreasonable targeting” of the country.

The IAF has a fleet of 12 C-130J-30 Super Hercules Aircraft, procured from the US in 2010-11, followed by additional orders in the subsequent years. The IAF operates a fleet of 11 C-17 Globemaster III aircraft procured between 2013 and 2019. Both were procured by India from the US under separate Foreign Military Sale (FMS) agreements.

India had signed the S-400 deal with Russia in 2018, a year after the US passed the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). The long range surface to air missile system played a critical role in defending Indian skies during Operation Sindoor between May 7 and 10.

These procurements are particularly significant in the light of Operation Sindoor, which was launched by India on May 7 after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 people dead, and appear to be drawn from lessons learnt from it.

According to a statement issued by the Defence Ministry, the DAC has granted an  Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of Thermal Imager-based Driver Night Sights for the Battle Mechanised Platforms with the Army, which will enhance the night driving capability of BMPs and provide higher mobility and operational advantage to the mechanised infantry.

The DAC is the primary body responsible for approving major capital acquisitions in defence. The first step in the defence procurement process is the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN). However, obtaining an AoN does not always lead to a final order.

The DAC also approved the procurement of the compact autonomous surface craft, the BrahMos fire control system and launchers, and the upgrade of the BARAK-1 point defence missile system for the Navy.

“The procurement of the compact autonomous surface craft will enable the Indian Navy to detect, classify and neutralise threats during anti-submarine warfare missions,” the statement said.

For the Indian Air Force, an AoN was granted for the procurement of mountain radars and the upgrade of the SAKSHAM/SPYDER weapon system, which will enhance air surveillance capabilities along and across borders in mountainous regions.

The upgrade of the SAKSHAM/SPYDER system for integration with the Integrated Air Command and Control System will strengthen India’s air defence capabilities. Additionally, the procurement of MALE RPAs for three services will support round-the-clock surveillance and combat readiness, as these aircraft can carry multiple payloads and weapons while operating at longer ranges for extended missions.