The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved five capital acquisition proposals worth ₹21,772 crore recently.

The Procurement Proposals Includes

• New Water Jet Fast Attack Crafts: The DAC granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for procurement of 31 New Water Jet Fast Attack Crafts for the Indian Navy. 
  • Functions: The Crafts are designed to perform the task of low intensity maritime operations, surveillance, patrol, and search and rescue operations close to the coast.
• Fast Interceptor Craft: AoN for the procurement of 120 Fast Interceptor Craft was accorded.
  • Function: These vessels can perform multiple roles like escorting high value units such as aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates and submarines for coastal defence.
• Electronic Warfare Suite (EWS): The EWS comprises external airborne self-protection jammer pods, next-generation radar warning receiver and associated equipment for Su-30 MKI Aircraft. 
  • Function: The system will enhance the operational capabilities of SU-30MKI and protect it from enemy radars.
• Advanced Light Helicopters: AoN for procurement of six ALH marine for Coast Guard to strengthen the coastal security and surveillance in the coastal areas.
• Approval was also given for the overhaul of T-72 & T-90 tanks, BMP- and engines of Sukhoi fighter aircraft which will enhance the service life of these assets.

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About the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)

• The Defence Acquisition Council is the highest decision-making body in the Defence Ministry for deciding on new policies and capital acquisitions for the three services (Army, Navy and Air Force) and the Indian Coast Guard.
• Chairman: Defence Minister/ Raksha Mantri (RM)
• Established: It was formed in 2001 on the recommendations on reforming the National Security System after the Kargil War of 1999.
• Members: State Ministers of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Chief of tri services (Army, Navy, Air) Defence Secretary, Chief of Integrated Staff Committees,Secretary Defence Research & Development.
• Member Secretary: Dy. Chief of Defence Staff (PP&FD)
• Functions:
  • To give ‘in principle’ approval to Capital acquisitions proposals
  • Accord of acceptance of necessity to acquisition proposals. 
  • Categorisation of the acquisition proposals relating to ‘Buy’, ‘Buy & Make’ and ‘Make’. 
• Defence Procurement Process:
  • Acceptance of Necessity: The approval in principle is the first step in the process of ‘acceptance of necessity’ by the MoD in consultation with Defence(Finance) and as a recommendation for eventual consideration of Finance Ministry/ Cabinet Committee on Security. 
  • The decision of RM based on DAC deliberations will flow down from implementation to Defence Procurement Board, Defence Production Board and Defence R&D Board.