On September 3, 2024, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approving a landmark set of proposals totaling ₹1.45 lakh crore (approximately $17.3 billion). This move comes amid ongoing regional tensions and highlights India’s commitment to modernizing its defense capabilities with a strong emphasis on indigenous production.
Major Naval and Army Upgrades
The DAC's approval includes substantial advancements for both the Indian Navy and Army. A key component of the strategy involves the construction of seven advanced stealth frigates under Project 17 Bravo for the Indian Navy. These frigates are set to be the most sophisticated warships ever built in India, surpassing the current Nilgiri-class frigates under construction. The project, estimated to cost around ₹70,000 crore, will leverage the "Make in India" initiative and involve Category A shipyards such as Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Goa Shipyard Limited, and Larsen & Toubro.
In addition to the naval expansion, the Indian Army's proposal to replace its aging fleet of Russian-origin T-72 tanks with 1,700 Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs) was also approved. This initiative, projected to exceed ₹50,000 crore, aims to significantly enhance the Army's armored capabilities with tanks featuring superior mobility, all-terrain performance, and advanced protection systems. The FRCV project underscores India's focus on indigenous development, requiring over 60% local components from Indian vendors such as Bharat Forge and Larsen & Toubro.
Enhanced Coast Guard Capabilities
The DAC has also greenlit three major upgrades for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). These include the procurement of Dornier-228 aircraft, Next Generation Fast Patrol Vessels designed for operation in severe weather conditions, and Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels equipped with advanced technology for long-range operations. These assets are expected to bolster the ICG’s capabilities in maritime surveillance, search and rescue, and disaster relief operations.
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Focus on Indigenous Production
Significantly, 99% of the DAC-approved projects are slated to be sourced from domestic manufacturers under the 'Buy (Indian)' and 'Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured)' categories. This approach not only supports the 'Make in India' initiative but also strengthens the country's defense self-reliance.
Tribute and Acknowledgments
During the meeting, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh honored the late Indian Coast Guard Director General Rakesh Pal, who passed away on August 18, 2024. Singh paid tribute to Pal’s contributions to the ICG and extended condolences to his family.
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These approvals mark a pivotal step in India’s defense modernization efforts, reflecting a strategic focus on enhancing national security through advanced technology and indigenous capabilities.
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