Defence Acquisition Committee Approves Major Purchases
The Defence Acquisition Committee (DAC), headed by the Defence Minister, has recently approved a series of defence procurement proposals aimed at modernising India’s armed forces. These approvals include purchases of advanced weapons, equipment and platforms for the Army, Navy and Air Force to enhance operational readiness and capability.
One-liner: Defence Acquisition Committee (DAC) clears multiple defence procurement proposals to modernise India’s armed forces.
The DAC serves as a key decision-making body within the Ministry of Defence, responsible for sanctioning major defence acquisitions under government policy frameworks.
What Is the Defence Acquisition Committee (DAC)?
The DAC is the apex body that approves defence procurement proposals above specified financial thresholds. It ensures that acquisitions align with strategic priorities, fiscal discipline and timely delivery schedules. Chaired by the Defence Minister, the committee includes senior officials from the three services, Ministry of Defence, Finance and other stakeholders.
One-liner: DAC is the apex body that sanctions major defence procurement proposals for the Indian armed forces.
The committee meets periodically to clear capital purchases ranging from weapons systems to support infrastructure.
Key Purchases Approved
Army Modernisation
The DAC approved acquisition of advanced artillery systems, medium armoured vehicles and battlefield surveillance radars to strengthen the Army’s combat and reconnaissance capacities.
One-liner: New artillery, armoured vehicles and surveillance radars to boost Army combat and reconnaissance strength.
Navy Enhancements
Approvals include procurement of naval platforms, anti-submarine warfare systems and next-generation sensors to improve maritime security and force projection.
One-liner: Naval modernisation receives boost with new platforms and anti-submarine warfare systems.
Air Force Capability Upgrade
The committee cleared proposals for upgrades to fighter squadrons, precision munitions, airborne surveillance and electronic warfare systems to maintain air superiority and situational awareness.
One-liner: Air Force to receive upgraded fighters, precision weapons, and advanced surveillance systems.
Strategic Importance of These Approvals
Enhancing Combat Readiness
Approving these procurements ensures that India’s armed forces remain equipped with contemporary weapons and support systems, improving combat effectiveness across domains.
One-liner: Procurements strengthen combat readiness across land, sea and air domains.
Reducing Capability Gaps
The DAC’s decisions aim to fill capability gaps identified in each service due to evolving threat perceptions and technological advancements.
Supporting Indigenous Defence Industry
Several approved items are being sourced from Indian manufacturers or through Make in India initiatives, promoting self-reliance and boosting the domestic defence industrial base.
One-liner: Indigenous defence procurement supports Make in India and self-reliance.
Strategic Autonomy and Deterrence
By acquiring advanced systems, India strengthens its strategic autonomy and deterrence posture against regional security challenges.
One-liner: Modern weapon acquisitions enhance India’s strategic autonomy and deterrence.
Process and Oversight Mechanism
The DAC evaluates proposals based on operational requirements, technology readiness, cost effectiveness, and delivery timelines. It ensures compliance with defence procurement procedures, budget allocations and inter-service coordination.
One-liner: DAC evaluates defence procurements against capability, cost and compliance criteria.
Proposals cleared by the DAC are implemented through contractual arrangements with vendors and subject to quality assurance and performance benchmarks.
Challenges in Defence Procurement
- Long Lead Times: Defence acquisitions often involve complex technology, leading to extended procurement cycles.
- Budget Constraints: Fiscal prudence must be balanced with urgent capability needs.
- Technology Transfer Issues: Negotiating meaningful technology sharing can be challenging with foreign vendors.
- Indigenisation Goals: Promoting local industry while ensuring quality and timelines requires careful policy implementation.
Relevance for Competitive-Exam Aspirants
This development is important for:
- Defence & Security Studies: Understanding military modernisation and procurement processes.
- Public Policy & Governance: Defence acquisition mechanisms, budget allocation and policy frameworks.
- Current Affairs: Strategic decisions impacting national defence capabilities.One-liner: DAC approvals illustrate how defence policy and procurement shape India’s military strength.
Summary for Revision
The Defence Acquisition Committee (DAC) has approved multiple procurement proposals to modernise the Army, Navy and Air Force. These include artillery systems, armoured vehicles, naval platforms, anti-submarine warfare systems, advanced fighters and surveillance equipment. The decisions aim to enhance combat readiness, address capability gaps, support indigenous defence industry and strengthen strategic deterrence. Despite challenges like long procurement cycles and budget management, these approvals reflect India’s commitment to building a modern, self-reliant defence force.
