Why in News?

• Recently, The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisition proposals worth Rs 70,500 crore for the Armed Forces & Indian Coast Guard under ‘Buy Indian-IDDM’ (Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured).

Highlights

• Out of the total proposals, Indian Navy proposals constitute more than Rs 56,000 crore, which largely includes indigenous BrahMos cruise missiles, Shakti Electronic Warfare (EW) systems, Utility Helicopters-Maritime among others
• Long Range Stand-Off Weapon for the Indian Air Force gets a nod, which is to be integrated on SU-30 MKI aircraft.
• Also, 155mm/52 Caliber Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), along with High Mobility & Gun Towing Vehicles will be procured for the Indian Army.
• Hindustan Aeronautics is a big beneficiary of this announcement by DAC, as it shall supply Advance Light Helicopters MK-III to the Indian Coast Guard. The Helicopter will be able to carry a suite of surveillance sensors which will enhance the surveillance capabilities, along with giving full night capability and Instrument Flight Rules capability for operations of the Indian Coast Guard
• Under the Make-I category, the Medium Speed Marine Diesel Engine will be manufactured indigenously.
• The DAC 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.
• 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).