You dont have javascript enabled! Please enable it! Defence Acquisition Council to Discuss New Minesweepers for Navy and QR-SAM Systems for Army on July 1 - Indian Defence Research Wing
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SOURCE: AFI

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and the three service chiefs, is set to convene on July 1 to discuss critical acquisitions for the Indian Navy and Army. High on the agenda are the procurement of a dozen advanced minesweepers for the Navy and the scaling of Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QR-SAM) systems for the Army, in a push to bolster India’s defense capabilities.

The Indian Navy is seeking to acquire 12 state-of-the-art minesweepers, to be built indigenously, aligning with India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. These vessels, weighing approximately 3,000 tons each, are designed to match modern international standards and will be versatile, capable of performing multiple roles, including minesweeping, minelaying, and anti-submarine warfare. With an estimated cost of over Rs 3,500 crore per minesweeper, the total package is projected to be worth Rs 43,000 crore.

Sources indicate that the DAC is likely to clear the proposal, paving the way for an Indian shipyard to undertake construction. While Goa Shipyards is noted for having the necessary infrastructure, the final selection of the shipyard will be determined through a competitive bidding process. These minesweepers will significantly enhance the Navy’s ability to secure India’s maritime interests, countering threats from naval mines and submarines in strategic waters.

The Army’s acquisition of the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QR-SAM) system, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), is another key item on the DAC’s agenda. The QR-SAM, with a range of 3-30 km, is designed to provide last-gasp air defense, protecting critical assets and troops from aerial threats.

While the decision to procure the QR-SAM has already been approved, the DAC meeting will focus on determining the scale of the acquisition. Sources suggest that the deal could be worth Rs 30,000 crore, depending on the number of systems ordered. This acquisition will significantly enhance the Army’s air defense capabilities, offering rapid-response protection against enemy aircraft, drones, and missiles.

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