Defence Acquisition Council
- 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
- The Minister of Defence is the Chairman of the council.
- It was formed, after the Group of Ministers recommendations on ‘Reforming the National Security System’, in 2001, post Kargil War (1999).
- The focus was on ‘Make in India’ initiative i.e. on indigenous design, development and manufacturing of weapons and equipment.
Weapons and Equipment Approved
- Thermal Imaging Night Sights for Assault Rifles: These would enable troops to undertake long range accurate engagements in dark and all weather conditions thereby enhancing the night fighting capabilities.
- Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
- These platforms would provide on-board command & control and ‘early warning’ which would assist the Indian Air Force (IAF) in achieving effective air space dominance in the least possible
- Induction of these aircraft will greatly enhance both the Air defence and offensive capabilities of the iaf.
- The shortage of such force multipliers was felt during the aerial engagement with the Pakistan Air Force, a day after the Balakot air strike in February, 2019.
- P8I long range patrol aircraft for the Indian Navy: These aircraft would greatly strengthen the Navy’s capabilities for maritime surveillance, Anti- Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Anti-Surface Vessel (ASV) strike. These would be procured from the United States.
- Twin Engine Heavy Helicopters (TEHH) for the Indian Coast Guard: These aircraft would enable the Coast Guard to undertake missions to prevent maritime terrorism, infiltration of terrorists by sea routes as well as search & rescue operations.