TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
THE CONTEXT: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has taken significant steps to enhance India’s defence capabilities by approving key amendments and new procurement proposals.
EXPLANATION:
- These decisions are aligned with India’s broader strategic goals of modernizing its military assets and ensuring robust national security.
Amendments to MQ-9B UAV Deal
- One of the primary decisions taken by the DAC was to approve amendments to the deal for procuring 31 MQ-9B High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) from General Atomics, a prominent U.S. defense contractor.
- These UAVs are integral to enhancing India’s surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities across its extensive maritime and land borders.
- The approved amendments fall within the framework of the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) that had been previously granted for this deal.
- These adjustments mainly concern the indigenous content of the UAVs and associated aspects.
- It projects to ensure that the procurement aligns with India’s strategic emphasis on increasing indigenous defense production and reducing dependency on foreign technologies.
Progress of the Deal
- The deal has progressed significantly, with the U.S. having completed its procedural formalities by delivering the letter of offer and acceptance to India in early March.
- The next steps involve India completing its internal processes before the deal is signed.
- The final approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) is awaited, which is a mandatory step before the agreement can be formally inked.
- The timing of this deal is crucial, as it is expected to coincide with the upcoming Quad leaders’ summit hosted by India in December.
- It is anticipated that the MQ-9B deal, along with the GE-414 jet engine deal, will be finalized during the U.S. President’s visit to India, marking a significant milestone in Indo-U.S. defense cooperation.
Strategic Importance of MQ-9B UAVs
- India plans to acquire 31 MQ-9B UAVs, which include 15 Sea Guardians for the Indian Navy and 16 Sky Guardians, split equally between the Indian Army and Air Force.
- This procurement, estimated at $3.99 billion, will significantly bolster India’s surveillance and combat capabilities across multiple domains.
- A key component of this deal is the establishment of a Global Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility by General Atomics in India.
- This facility is expected to fulfill offset obligations and strengthen India’s defense manufacturing ecosystem, fostering greater self-reliance in defense technology.
- In addition to the UAV deal, the DAC also approved proposals for the procurement of an Advanced Land Navigation System (ALNS) and 22 Interceptor Boats for the Indian Coast Guard.
Advanced Land Navigation System (ALNS)
- The ALNS Mk-II is designed for Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) of the Indian Army.
- It provides highly accurate navigation capabilities compatible with the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), also known as NavIC, in addition to global systems like GPS and GLONASS.
- This system is noted for its spoof-proof technology with advanced encryption, ensuring secure and reliable navigation for military vehicles.
- This procurement will be sourced from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Chennai, under the Buy [Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured (IDDM)] category, furthering the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative in defense production.
Interceptor Boats for the Coast Guard
- The DAC also sanctioned the procurement of 22 Interceptor Boats equipped with state-of-the-art systems.
- These boats are designed for rapid interception and shallow water operations, making them ideal for coastal surveillance, patrolling, search and rescue missions, and medical evacuations.
- These new assets will enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s operational effectiveness, particularly in safeguarding India’s vast coastline.
Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)
- It is the highest decision-making body of the defence ministry on procurement.
- The main objective of the DAC is to ensure expeditious procurement of the approved requirements of the armed forces in terms of capabilities sought and time frame prescribed by optimally utilizing the allocated budgetary resources.
- It was formed after the Group of Minister’s recommendations on ‘Reforming the National Security System’, in 2001, post-Kargil War (1999).
- Composition:
- The defence minister is the chairman of DAC.
- Its members include the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.